Dr. Levine Advocates for Vaccination Awareness at Community Health Forum

Dr. Rachel Levine, the U.S. Assistant Secretary of Health and the federal government’s highest-ranking transgender official, emphasized the importance of vaccinations in preventing respiratory illnesses at a recent forum. Organized by Whitman-Walker Health, a medical center known for its support of the LGBTQ community, the forum aimed to raise awareness about the significance of vaccines in maintaining public health.

Joining Dr. Levine were four other esteemed physicians, including three from Whitman-Walker Health, as well as an official from SAGE, an advocacy group for LGBTQ seniors. The panel, titled “Protecting Our Health In the New Year: A Conversation on Flu, COVID-19, and RSV Vaccines,” served as a platform for discussing the crucial role of vaccines in combating respiratory diseases.

Among the initiatives Dr. Levine highlighted was a vaccination promotion campaign by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, known as “Risk Less and Do More.” She passionately spoke about her commitment to vaccines and their effectiveness in preventing illnesses and promoting healthier communities.

“I’m extremely passionate about vaccines and the role they play in preventing respiratory illness and keeping communities healthier,” said Levine at the event, held at Whitman-Walker’s Max Robinson Center. She elaborated on how the “Risk Less, Do More” campaign thrives on partnerships with community leaders who provide reliable information to help individuals make informed health decisions and access one of the most effective health tools available—vaccinations.

Dr. Levine pointed out the availability of separate vaccines for three potentially life-threatening respiratory illnesses: flu, COVID-19, and Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV). The campaign, she noted, is particularly focused on high-risk populations who are most vulnerable to severe illness.

“While aiming to limit respiratory virus spread among all Americans, the ‘Risk Less, Do More’ campaign has placed particular focus on high-risk populations who are at the greatest risk for becoming seriously ill,” Levine said. This includes individuals not up-to-date on their vaccinations, people aged 65 and older, residents in long-term care facilities, pregnant individuals, those in rural areas with limited healthcare access, and racial and ethnic groups at higher risk, such as the Black and Hispanic communities.

Dr. Levine acknowledged a “notable uptick” in cases of the three respiratory illnesses nationwide and in Washington, D.C., further underscoring the urgency of vaccination efforts.

The panel included Aaron Tax from SAGE; Tasliyam Adams, Senior Manager of Medical Support at Whitman-Walker; Danny Jaek, a pharmacist at Whitman-Walker’s Max Robinson Center; and Dr. Kimberly Jeffries Leonard, Vice President of Administration for the Black Women’s Agenda. Whitman-Walker physicians Heather Aaron, Ann Bonham, and Kellan Baker also contributed to the discussion.

In recognition of Dr. Levine’s contributions, Whitman-Walker officials presented her with a poster-sized, framed proclamation honoring her “For Distinguished Service and Leadership In Advancing Public Health and Health Equity.”

As Dr. Levine prepares to conclude her tenure on January 20, she was asked for her thoughts on the transition to a new administration. She refrained from commenting on the incoming administration but emphasized the enduring importance of vaccinations, which she described as one of public health’s greatest successes of the past century.

Naseema Shafi, CEO of Whitman-Walker, expressed gratitude for Dr. Levine’s participation in the forum. “She has done so much to advance health in the community,” Shafi stated. “She’s been a fearless leader living authentically, and we’re really proud of the opportunity to be able to spend time with her today.”