California Governor faces backlash after COVID-19 pandemic reflection

Numerous online posts are criticizing California's governor for his reflections on how he initially handled the COVID-19 pandemic. Throughout the pandemic, the governor faced backlash for implementing mask mandates and strict vaccine requirements, and he now states he would have pursued another course of action. Social media users argue that the governor’s vaccine mandates did not succeed in reducing California's excess mortality rate, which was higher than the national average.

Risk level: Low

Recommendation: Although this discussion may not surface in a clinical setting, doctors may face questions about the efficacy of the COVID-19 vaccine in preventing COVID-19-related deaths. Doctors may emphasize key talking points: Staying up to date on COVID-19 vaccines substantially reduces the risk of dying from COVID-19, ofCOVID-19-related hospitalization, and of long COVID.