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Source: NCSU COOPERATIVE EXTENSION, 1/26/21
Overcoming
hesitancy to receive the new COVID-19 vaccines is a growing issue across the
U.S. despite more than 400,000 deaths resulting from the virus to date.
According to a recent report published by the Kaiser Family
Foundation, rural residents are among the most vaccine hesitant
groups, with seven in 10 rural residents expressing at least some reluctance to
receive the vaccine.As trusted
members of the communities we serve, Extension and other community education
professionals are in a unique position to address the issue of vaccine
hesitancy using ready-made materials from the Centers for Disease Control and
Prevention (CDC). CDC has developed several toolkits for use in promoting and
building confidence in the new COVID-19 vaccines. While the CDC should be
considered the main source for information regarding the COVID-19 vaccines,
states have been given considerable flexibility with regard to the distribution
of the vaccines. Other valuable vaccine resources to reference for both educational
outreach efforts and personal education include:
- You Have a Spot. Take Your Shot. (DHHS) – state guidance and protocols for vaccine distribution, as well as education and communication campaigns.
- Help slow the spread of the virus by
downloading SlowCOVIDNC, the official exposure notification app for North Carolina, as well as promoting the app with DHHS’ communications toolkit.
- COVID-19 Vaccine Q&A Series – NC State News series featuring university experts addressing questions about the vaccines ranging from safety to manufacturing to distribution.
- Extension COVID-19 Resources – research-backed information from Extension experts and specialists to help North Carolinians navigate the pandemic and the challenges associated with it.
The most effective education and communication campaigns are often those done through multi-sector partnerships. Don’t hesitate to engage partners in local efforts and help slow the spread together! For more information, click here.
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