Infectious Disease Doctor Details Tense Airplane Encounter with Vaccine Skeptic
NEW YORK – A Yale School of Medicine physician specializing in infectious diseases recounted a recent, unsettling experience on a flight, detailing a conversation with a passenger openly skeptical of vaccines. Dr. Morgan Goheen, M.D., Ph.D., shared the encounter as a cautionary tale highlighting the ongoing challenges public health officials face in combating misinformation and fostering trust in science.
The incident, which occurred on a flight in October 2023, underscores a growing societal divide fueled by vaccine hesitancy, a trend that threatens to undermine progress against preventable diseases. While vaccine confidence has fluctuated, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic, the persistence of misinformation continues to pose a significant risk to individual and community health. Goheen’s account offers a personal glimpse into the complexities of bridging this gap and the emotional toll it can take on healthcare professionals.
During the flight, Goheen found herself seated next to a passenger who, after learning of her profession, promptly launched into a discussion questioning the safety and efficacy of vaccines. The passenger expressed concerns about potential side effects and shared unsubstantiated claims circulating online.
“It wasn’t an aggressive confrontation, but a persistent stream of doubts and anxieties,” Goheen explained. “It was exhausting to try and address each claim with evidence-based information, knowing that deeply held beliefs are rarely changed by a single conversation.”
Goheen attempted to calmly address the passenger’s concerns, explaining the rigorous testing and monitoring processes vaccines undergo, and emphasizing the overwhelming scientific consensus supporting their safety and effectiveness. She highlighted the devastating consequences of vaccine-preventable diseases, both historically and in contemporary outbreaks.
Despite her efforts,Goheen noted the passenger remained largely unconvinced,clinging to information sourced from unreliable online platforms. The encounter left her feeling frustrated and disheartened, but also reinforced her commitment to continuing the fight against misinformation.
“I am not your enemy.Neither is science,” Goheen stated, reflecting on the experience. “My goal, and the goal of the medical community, is to protect people’s health, and vaccines are one of the most powerful tools we have to do that.”
Goheen, a research scientist and board-certified infectious diseases physician, is also a Public voices Fellow of The oped Project in Partnership with Yale University. Her experience serves as a reminder of the critical need for open dialog, media literacy, and a renewed commitment to evidence-based decision-making in the face of persistent health misinformation.
