April 22, 2021
COLUMBUS, Ohio – The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center and The Ohio State University Comprehensive Cancer Center – Arthur G. James Cancer Hospital and Richard J. Solove Research Institute are collaborating with a coalition of 60 of America's top hospitals and healthcare institutions on a nationwide campaign to encourage adults to get vaccinated for COVID-19. The campaign "Get the Vaccine to Save Lives," is designed to reassure the public that vaccines are safe, effective and necessary to achieve herd immunity and a return to normal activities. Through a series of national print and digital advertisements, social media and a website, the campaign hopes to reach adults who are hesitant to receive a vaccine, including racial and minority ethnic groups and people living in rural communities. According to a Kaiser Family Foundation survey published March 30, 17% of the public say they will take a wait-and-see approach before getting vaccinated. Another 20% say they will never get a vaccine or will only get it if required to do so for work, school or other activities. This leaves a significant portion of the population at risk of going unvaccinated.
“We are pleased to join this national effort to urge more Americans to get vaccinated. We appreciate the millions who have already stepped up to do their part, and strongly urge others to do the same,” said Dr. Hal Paz executive vice president and chancellor for health affairs at The Ohio State University and chief executive officer at Ohio State Wexner Medical Center. “I believe, without a doubt, being vaccinated is safe, and it is the best way to stop this pandemic. It truly is our best shot to save lives.”
With vaccine distribution underway, the campaign aims to help Americans feel safe and confident about receiving a vaccine. To achieve herd immunity and help end the pandemic, leading health officials say at least 75% of the population needs to receive a vaccine. Herd immunity occurs when a large portion of a community becomes immune to a disease, making the spread of disease from person to person unlikely. As a result, the whole community becomes protected — not just those who have been vaccinated.
“This is the time to think about your family and your fellow citizens. When the majority of a community does its part, it can save countless lives,” Paz said.
More than 195 million doses of COVID-19 vaccine have been administered and 48% of the U.S. population age 18 and over has received at least one dose through April 14, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. COVID-19 vaccines were evaluated in tens of thousands of participants in clinical trials. The vaccines met the Food and Drug Administration’s rigorous scientific standards for safety, effectiveness, and manufacturing quality needed to support emergency use authorization.
To schedule a vaccine appointment at the Ohio State Wexner Medical Center, visit wexnermedical.osu.edu.
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Media Contact: Marti Leitch, Wexner Medical Center Media Relations, marti.leitch@osumc.edu