Warren, Washington counties combine for new COVID-19 vaccine education outreach
Warren and Washington counties have come together to start a new educational campaign designed to overcome COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy.
The counties, partnering with Glens Falls Hospital and Hudson Headwaters Health Network, are working to highlight factual information about COVID-19 vaccines to encourage those who have not gotten vaccinated to make the decision to protect their health and that of those around them.
The campaign is expected to run several months, and is being paid for by New York State grant funding provided to the counties for vaccination outreach and logistics.
The first phase of the effort, which began this week, highlights quarantine rules for those who are vaccinated versus the unvaccinated.
Local Public Health personnel are finding that many people are not aware that CDC guidelines state that vaccinated individuals do not have to quarantine if exposed to someone with COVID-19, a factor that helps keep children in school and people at work.
The effort will also touch on:
- Local and national metrics that show that the unvaccinated contract COVID-19 at a markedly higher rate than the vaccinated, despite the fact that there are significantly more vaccinated people in the region than unvaccinated.
- Local medical experts weighing in on the need for immunization.
- Telling the stories of those who wish they had gotten vaccinated before they or their loved ones contracted COVID-19 and became seriously ill or worse.
The ad campaign is promoting these key points across more than half-a-dozen local newspapers, 10 radio stations, Adirondack Thunder games, billboards and Greater Glens Falls Transit buses, in addition to locally focused ads online and across social media.
Said Ginelle Jones, Warren County Health Services Director: “We want to make sure our residents know that we have found that the COVID-19 vaccines are proving to be safe and that they have worked to reduce illness among those who have contracted COVID-19. We are excited to promote the vaccine working with our neighbors in Washington County, and we are hoping to continue to save lives and recognize the value in preventing severe illness.”
Said Tina McDougall, Washington County Public Health Director: “Our Public Health team continues our dedicated efforts in ensuring vaccination is available for every eligible member of our communities who want to be vaccinated! If you have questions or concerns about the COVID-19 vaccines check with your healthcare provider and #getthevaxfacts for yourself! Vaccination is available throughout our communities, for our homebound, at most pharmacies, healthcare providers and our Public Health clinics.”
Said Rachel Seeber, Chairwoman of the Warren County Board of Supervisors: “We are happy to partner with our neighbors from Washington County for this important campaign. Our counties work well together, and there is no more pressing issue for our region, state and nation than ending this pandemic and getting back to normal for the sake of our residents and businesses.”
Said Sam Hall, Chairman of the Washington County Board of Supervisors: “We are proud to continue working alongside our neighbors in Warren County on yet another important initiative. We, and our Public Health teams, need the help of everyone in our communities to continue progressing forward in the fight against the pandemic – please consider being vaccinated if you haven’t already! Our families, friends, schools, businesses and communities are counting on us all to return to the level of normal we all need.”
Said Ray Agnew, Glens Falls Hospital Vice President of Hospital & Community Engagement: “Glens Falls Hospital is proud to partner on this important campaign. Nothing is more important to the health of our community – individuals and businesses alike – than having everyone who is eligible vaccinated against COVID-19. Do it for those you love first, do it for yourself second, and do it for this community we love.”
Glens Falls public relations firm Behan Communications and Queensbury graphic design firm Lehman Creative are helping coordinate the campaign, at no charge to the counties.
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