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Illinois attempts to persuade those who are ‘on the fence’ about COVID-19 vaccines (free)

The state of Illinois launched a new vaccine awareness campaign this week in an attempt to persuade more people to get COVID-19 vaccines. The ‘On the Fence’ campaign features 18 stories from Illinoisans who were initially hesitant but are now fully vaccinated.

The campaign will roll out over the coming months, including stories from people who reflect the racial and socioeconomic diversity of the state.

The Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) officials have long encouraged people to get vaccinated as one of the most effective ways to reduce illnesses, hospitalizations and deaths during the pandemic.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the unvaccinated are 17 times more likely to be hospitalized than those who have been vaccinated and boosted.

“We understand there are still people who have concerns about the COVID-19 vaccines, and I urge them to talk with a health care provider as well as others who have been vaccinated,” said IDPH Director Dr. Ngozi Ezike. “Safe and effective vaccines have been used for more than a year now, longer if you include the clinical trials, and they have good safety and effectiveness records. People receiving the COVID-19 vaccines are experiencing significantly reduced rates of hospitalization and death. They are recommended for everyone 5 years and older.”

The campaign will include information in both English and Spanish and will appear on cable, broadcast and connected TV; streaming audio and radio; billboards and bus shelters; digital display and video; print and social media. Similar to other coronavirus-related expenses, costs are reimbursable by the federal government.

The initial rollout of the campaign will feature the following videos:

  • Ken – If we had received the vaccination (:30)
  • Shannon – Knows it’s real (:30)
  • Rayyaan – Had his doubts (:30)
  • Elvia and Rafael – This is safer (:30)

To find COVID-19 a vaccine location, visit vaccines.gov or call 1-800-232-0233.

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