Dr. Kizzmekia Corbett plays a pivotal role in the development of the Moderna vaccine. As a Black viral immunologist and one of the leading scientists at the National Institutes of Health, her contributions to science are immense. With a PhD in microbiology and immunology, Dr. Corbett’s extensive background in studying infectious diseases laid the foundation for her groundbreaking work on the COVID-19 vaccine. Alongside her scientific pursuits, she also delved into sociology to grasp issues such as racial disparities and the intersection of science with societal challenges.
Reflecting on the urgency of the pandemic, Dr. Corbett emphasized, “It became very clear that nature was going to have its way if we did not prepare.” By January 2020, her team was already laying the groundwork for the vaccine, assembling teams and securing materials, essential steps that facilitated the rapid development of the vaccine in collaboration with Moderna. “The concept is called ‘pandemic preparedness,’” she explained, highlighting that their work on coronaviruses had been ongoing for several years.
While the vaccine’s swift rollout may seem surprising, it was the result of meticulous preparations that Dr. Corbett and her team had undertaken long before the pandemic escalated. The scientific community often anticipates crises and prepares accordingly, a reality that remains hidden from public view until emergencies arise.
As a Black woman—the only one on her development team—Dr. Corbett’s position is particularly significant. During the vaccine’s development, the nation grappled with the stark vulnerabilities faced by the Black community amid the pandemic and social unrest, particularly following George Floyd’s tragic murder. “It was a very sad time for me,” she shared, noting the heavy emotional toll that concurrent events had on her work.
Instead of allowing these challenges to deter her, Dr. Corbett channeled her passion into accelerating vaccine distribution. She recognizes the medical disadvantages faced by many in the Black community, including barriers to accessing quality healthcare. “I understand that vaccines are really a way to help to level the playing field when it comes to health disparities,” she stated, underscoring her commitment to ensuring equitable access to effective vaccinations.
Throughout the pandemic and the vaccine rollout, Dr. Corbett has emerged as a powerful advocate and resource, particularly for communities of color. Addressing the hesitancy surrounding the vaccine, she reframes the conversation, referring to it as “vaccine inquisitiveness.” This shift in narrative aims to foster understanding and trust, especially in light of historical medical injustices.
Dr. Corbett is dedicated to outreach, particularly in educating the Black community about the science behind the vaccine. Her social media presence serves as a valuable platform for sharing information and bridging knowledge gaps. “I do it to communicate science to people who aren’t scientists,” she explained, emphasizing the importance of transparency in vaccine development.
Her efforts to engage with the community are inspiring. Seeing Dr. Corbett—a Black woman in a position of influence—actively educating and advocating for vaccination can help alleviate some of the concerns faced by hesitant individuals. We are fortunate to have her in our corner, championing health equity and informed choices.
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In summary, Dr. Kizzmekia Corbett’s remarkable contributions to the development of the Moderna vaccine and her commitment to community outreach exemplify the importance of diversity in science and healthcare. Her work not only addresses immediate public health challenges but also strives to bridge the gap in healthcare disparities affecting the Black community.