Olivia Rodrigo Encourages People to Get COVID Vaccinations
Governments, NGOs Get Creative to Dispel Myths, Communicate About COVID Vaccines
One of the biggest celebrities today, Olivia Rodrigo, has partnered with the White House to spread the word and encourage citizens to get vaccinated against COVID-19.
Rodrigo, who sings “good 4 u” and “Drivers License”, has the ability to reach millions with her songs, and the White House took advantage of her appeal to spread the message on COVID. She met with Vice President Kamala Harris and even read vaccine tweets with Dr. Anthony Fauci.
The steps taken by the White House to bring in a major celebrity is pretty important as the number of people vaccinated in the U.S. is sitting just below 50%. And although not all local governments, NGOs and other organizations have the ability to bring in someone like Rodrigo, many have gotten creative in their communications efforts. These groups have done so to reach people and communities that are more reluctant to get the shots or may not have all the facts about the vaccines and their role in help society overcome the coronavirus.
Insect Biologist Raps Importance of Vaccines
Some organizations have taken creative liberties in their communications approach, such as officials in Fairfax County, VA. The Fairfax County Health Department partnered with its own employees, including Andy “MC Bugg-Z” Lima, an insect biologist in the FCHD’s Disease Carrying Insects Program, to produce and release a rap video that encourages residents to get their vaccinations.
The rap, “Game. Set. Vax.” which is kind of catchy, was developed over the course of four weeks.
Drug Companies Tug at the Heart
On a larger scale, Pfizer, BioNTech and an alliance of healthcare associations such as the American Pharmacists Association and the National Black Nurses Association have encouraged Americans to get their shots in a series of four new PSAs. The goal of the PSAs is to show people why it’s important to get vaccinated, and when they do, that they can return to close relationships with friends and family.
They definitely tug at the heartstrings. For example, one PSA includes a grandpa playing with his new granddaughter. Another video shows two women who haven’t seen one another for some time, finally hugging and crying.
Walgreens and John Legend Share Vaccine Message
Several companies and organizations have also partnered with various celebrities to share their message and raise awareness.
One big collaboration is between Walgreens and musician John Legend, and they aim “to remind Americans that the vaccine is the nation’s opportunity to help bring an end to the COVID-19 pandemic.”
Louisiana’s Efforts Go Door-To-Door
There are dozens and dozens of unique COVID vaccination campaigns taking place across the country, even the world, sharing why it’s so important to get the shots.
These campaigns may not tell us right away if their target audiences are taking action, but the city of Louisiana has taken another approach to its communications – door-to-door canvassing as part of its “Bring Back Louisiana” campaign.
The campaign’s main goal is for people to get vaccinated, but canvassers also prioritize sharing facts and debunking vaccine myths, especially in underserved communities that are hesitant to get a shot. The approach has also helped shape the city’s outreach efforts moving forward, while even getting the Health Department to drive around mobile vaccination clinics that provide shots on site.
Australia Takes a Serious Approach
The Australian government has taken more of a scare approach to encourage people, especially younger people, to get vaccinated. In a recent ad highlighting the effects of the coronavirus, a young girl is in a hospital, connected to a ventilator, and is struggling to breath in a panicked state.
There have been numerous stories that have highlighted the real and deadly impact of COVID-19, and Australia’s approach may see more people lining up for their shots.
Regardless of the effort or idea, we know there is no one message that will reach all people, so it’s encouraging to see that different communities and organizations are trying new and creative methods to get people vaccinated and safely reunited with their friends and family.