New COVID-19 vaccine campaign highlights real Texans and their stories
COVID-19 vaccination rates vary among the diverse population of Texas, and the reasons people may not be vaccinated are diverse, as well. To address this, the Texas Department of State Health Services is launching new multimedia ads featuring real Texans telling their own unique stories about getting vaccinated as part of DSHS’s ongoing COVID-19 vaccination campaign.
The ads will run on digital television, radio, online and on social media in both English and Spanish. In them, Texans from across the state describe in their own words’ their initial hesitance to COVID-19 vaccination along with how and why they eventually decided to get vaccinated.
One ad features a woman who contracted a moderate to severe case of COVID-19. That experience led her to change her mind and get vaccinated following her illness to try and prevent a reinfection that could make her sick again or threaten those around her.
Another ad features a man who resisted vaccination because of his distrust in the safety of the vaccines and of those who encouraged their use. But as millions across the state, nation and globe have become fully vaccinated, and adverse events remain very rare, he reviewed the data and has since been vaccinated.
“Any Texan who has not been vaccinated against COVID-19 because of safety or other concerns can be assured that the authorized vaccines are safe and effective,” said Dr. John Hellerstedt, DSHS commissioner. “The data gathered shows the benefits of vaccination far outweigh the risks of rare side effects. Most importantly, vaccination is proven to greatly increase our protection against severe COVID-19 illness, hospitalization and even death.”
DSHS vaccine public awareness ads are driven by vaccine research and vaccine rates in Texas. Multimedia campaign ads began running in February 2021. Ads have leaned heavily on the expertise of Texas doctors to detail the safety and effectiveness of the vaccine. This new phase of the campaign focuses on informing people through the voices and stories of everyday Texans, encouraging people to make informed decisions for themselves and talk to a doctor with any questions or concerns.
Real Texans Ads
In addition to the new videos, DSHS also resumed this month its pop-up events at Walmart locations across the state. The pop-ups feature a 16-foot video wall playing vaccine messages from local spokespeople and speaks to parents and individuals about the importance of COVID-19 vaccination for all Texans 12 years and older.
Texas providers have administered more than 32 million doses of COVID-19 vaccine to 17.5 million people. Just under 80% of the 65 and older population is now fully vaccinated, but those 12 and older are just under 63% fully vaccinated. More information on COVID vaccine in Texas is available at COVID-19 (Coronavirus Disease 2019) | Texas DSHS.
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(News Media Contact: pressofficer@dshs.texas.gov)