Harris County Judge Lina Hidalgo discusses ad campaign targeting COVID-19 vaccine fears

HOUSTON – Harris County Judge Lina Hidalgo and Harris County Public Health officials on Thursday announced a new campaign designed to address vaccine hesitancy and urge residents to take additional steps to stop the spread of COVID-19 .

“Stay smart, do your part” will highlight the safety and efficacy of vaccines.

“We can’t wait for the supply chains to catch up to address the hesitancy about vaccines, number one because it is a problem now and number two, the campaign will not work overnight,” said Hidalgo.

The campaign aims to encourage residents to take steps beyond wearing masks, socializing and washing hands, as well as learning about the safety and efficacy of vaccines, staying at home and canceling meetings. The campaign brand “Stay smart, do your partWas chosen to emphasize the role the community plays in helping the region finally recover sustainably from the pandemic and get our economy back on track.

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The current phase of the campaign will focus on addressing vaccine reluctance, particularly among colored communities in Harris County.

Hidalgo pointed a recent national survey made up of minority groups and supported by the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation, which showed that almost 40% of respondents would refuse vaccination if offered a Thursday, or have doubts about accepting a vaccine at some point.

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“All of us living in Harris County are connected and we can only achieve immunity to herds if those who still have doubts about receiving the COVID-19 take action to protect themselves and their neighbors,” said Hidalgo. “People of color have been hit hardest by this virus and it is worrying that research shows that they are also the ones who are vaccinated the least quickly. Even as we wait for the vaccine supply chains to catch up, we now need to lay the groundwork to ensure that we connect with residents who are hesitant or doubtful about the safety and efficacy of vaccines so they can stay smart and do their part contribute. “

The $ 1 million multilingual ad pressure includes a series of ads showing doctors as credible messengers of health information, asking residents to learn about the safety and efficacy of vaccines and get vaccinated as soon as they become eligible.

Judge Hidalgo’s office told KPRC2 that the $ 1 million will be repaid in federal dollars from the CARES Act.