Addressing Mental and Physical Health in Vulnerable Patients During the COVID-19 Pandemic

摘要

Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) is responsible for causing the current coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic that has plagued the world for more than a year. Forced changes to normal human behavioral patterns leading to isolation and restricted activities secondary to mandated quarantines are predicted to increase exacerbations of current psychiatric disorders as well as to contribute to newly emerging conditions.1 With vaccination distribution staged such that the most susceptible were prioritized to receive the limited supplies of vaccine available, there is palpable anxiety in those still waiting for their turn to become vaccinated. And despite the reported safety and efficacy of the vaccines currently available, there continue to be individuals who are vaccine hesitant and those who strongly oppose accepting the COVID-19 vaccine.