The
Washington County Health Department and
Washington County Government announce the launching of a mass media campaign focusing on vaccine hesitancy. Funded by a FEMA grant, the campaign’s goal is to increase COVID-19 vaccination rates in Washington County, Maryland. As of May 26, 2021, Washington County’s vaccination rate for first doses is at 34.65%, which is 17.65% below the state’s vaccination rate at 52.30%.
Along with mobile clinics offered by the health department and Meritus Health, this media campaign will serve as a key component of the County’s efforts to increase the vaccination rate and ensure that every county resident has the information needed to make the decision to get vaccinated.
“With our COVID-19 metrics continuing to improve and the lifting restrictions, we are rounding the corner of this pandemic. However, the virus is still circulating in our community and all around the world, and we’re not vaccinated enough to be clear of the threat. This vaccine is our shot to end the pandemic and to safely resume our normal activities” said Earl Stoner, Health Officer at the Washington County Health Department.
Critical vaccine messaging will be provided in both English and Spanish and will be broadcast through multiple different media outlets including television, streaming apps, radio, billboards, and flyers. This media campaign will feature key community champions who will assist in spreading important messages so our residents in all communities understand the life-saving benefits of COVID-19 vaccines, where to get vaccinated and share their personal stories as to why they decided to get vaccinated.
