The American Association for Cancer Research on Wednesday afternoon held a panel discussion with researchers, community leaders, patient advocates, and other experts sharing their insights regarding how to work together to increase uptake of vaccinations and eradicate the COVID-19 pandemic.

During the event, moderated by AACR Immediate Past President Antoni Ribas, MD, PhD, FAACR, and Gilbert S. Omenn, MD, PhD, panelists discussed the scientific evidence that demonstrates the safety and benefit of the COVID-19 vaccines, including how decades of basic research enabled the rapid development of these lifesaving vaccines; provided the latest information regarding the public’s views and willingness to get one of the COVID-19 vaccines; talked about the strategies that are being used to overcome misinformation and build trust in the vaccines; and addressed the concerns and answered the questions that patients with cancer have about the vaccines. Panelists included:

• Francis S. Collins, MD, PhD, National Institutes of Health
• Grace Cordovano, PhD, Enlightening Results
• Lee Greenberger, PhD, Leukemia and Lymphoma Society
• Mary Gullatte, PhD, RN, Emory Healthcare
• Liz Hamel, Henry J. Kaiser Family Foundation
• Lisa C. Richardson, MD, MPH, CDC Division of Cancer Prevention and Control
• John Wherry, PhD, Institute for Immunology, University of Pennsylvania

Watch a replay of the panel discussion.