We can't do this without you!
The COVID-19 vaccination program is one of the largest and most complex public health initiatives in Wisconsin’s history. We are committed to the safe, quick, and equitable distribution of the vaccine, and recognize that public education and community outreach is vital to our vaccination efforts. Our community partners across the state are critical to the success of this program.
This page is designed to equip our partners with the tools, resources, and information they need to protect their communities and promote COVID-19 vaccine confidence. This page has the following sections:
- You Stop the Spread partner toolkit
- Adolescent COVID-19 vaccination toolkits
- Community guidance for providing vaccination access
- Handouts to print and distribute
- Images and videos for your social media accounts or website
- Tips and resources for your own communications
- Other federal and state resources
We encourage our partners to share, use, or adapt these materials and templates to best serve the needs of their community. Most resources will be available in multiple languages.
Bi-weekly webinars
Wisconsin COVID-19 Vaccine Program Webinars for stakeholders and vaccinators are held every other Tuesdays from 11 a.m. to noon beginning January 11, 2022.
New attendees will need to register for this webinar. Once you register, you can use the same Zoom link for every webinar. The Zoom link for the webinar has not changed since November 2021.
Watch recordings of past webinars.
Updates:
- May 2, 2022:
- The updated translations of the factsheet Next Steps: After you receive the COVID-19 vaccine, P-02879 are now available.
- April 25, 2022:
- The Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia’s (CHOP) Vaccine Education Center released a free, web-based interactive module, Communicating about Vaccines – COVID-19 and More. This help providers, vaccine champions, and community members learn facts around COVID-19 disease, how the vaccine approval process works, and how to communicate effectively about these topics.
- April 19, 2022:
- The U.S. Surgeon General Dr. Vivek Murthy has issued a call for stories and research on health misinformation. Anyone from the public, including health care and public health workers, is welcome to share experiences related to health misinformation. This will help build a deeper understanding of the source and influence of misinformation and how best to address it. Find details and a link to submit comments.
- If you or a partner have identified someone who needs help accessing COVID-19 vaccines at home, reach out to your local or tribal health department or refer to this list of groups providing at home vaccination developed by 211 Wisconsin. Local or tribal health departments can email DHSCovidVaccinePublic@wi.gov to be connected with AMI to schedule homebound vaccination appointments.
- April 6, 2022:
- The handouts Getting a COVID-19 Vaccine, P-02891 and COVID-19 Vaccine: Fertility and Pregnancy, P-03133 have been updated in English.
You Stop the Spread partner toolkit
View and download the resources below to share with your community.
Templates
View and download customizable templates in multiple languages. First, select the product you want. Then, choose the language or file type you want to view or download. For print ready or black and white versions of the resources below, please email DHSCOVIDWebRequest@dhs.wisconsin.gov.
Newspaper
Posters
Graphics to share on social media
These images are sized for easy use on your social media channels. To get started, save the image type you want to use. Remember to include the following hyperlink dhs.wisconsin.gov/covid-19/vaccine.htm in your post and hashtag #YouStopTheSpread.
Images to add to your website
Add an image to your website. Remember to hyperlink your image to dhs.wisconsin.gov/covid-19/vaccine.htm.
Adolescent COVID-19 vaccination toolkits
Please use these call-to-action email templates, social media messages, and graphics to encourage vaccination among the families you serve. Each of the resources are provided separately for adolescent audiences and parent or guardian audiences in general youth programs, schools, or athletic programs.
Call-to-action email template
How to use: Customize this call-to-action email template to encourage parents and guardians to ensure their children ages 5 years and older are fully vaccinated against COVID-19.
Email template for general youth programs or schools
Dear parents and guardians,
We want to make sure our youth are able to live, learn, and play freely without needing to worry about getting sick from COVID-19, or getting others sick. We are glad our children (5 years and older) can get vaccinated to protect themselves and the people are around them.
At [insert your organization name], we [insert reference to mission]. You play an important part in that mission. We need your help to ensure your child 5 years and older is protected against COVID-19 and other diseases, so that we can build a healthy community together. COVID-19 vaccination is not only the safest and most effective way to protect our community from COVID-19, it will also help you and your child make the most of our programs.
Did you know?
- Fully vaccinated children and adults do not have to quarantine if exposed to COVID-19. This will keep your child out and about, playing, and in the programming they love. But make sure to monitor for symptoms and wear a mask in public indoor spaces for 14 days or until you receive a negative test result so you don’t spread the disease.
- The COVID-19 vaccine protects against serious illness. It helps our bodies recognize and fight SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19, so we don't get sick or spread the disease. Wisconsin data shows fully vaccinated individuals are less likely to be infected, hospitalized, and die from COVID-19 compared to unvaccinated individuals.
- Getting the vaccine can protect your child from becoming infected with the currently circulating variants and help to slow the emergence of new variants. Some COVID-19 variants have mutations that make them spread more easily. Because variants like these are more common now, people who are unvaccinated, including children, are more likely to get COVID-19.
By getting your child vaccinated, you and your family can enjoy this season with less stress, knowing you are protected against COVID-19. Find a vaccination site near you by visiting Vaccines.gov, texting your ZIP code to 438829, or calling 211 today.
Please also make sure your family is up-to-date on other routine vaccinations. Many children and adolescents have missed routine well-child visits and vaccinations during the pandemic. Contact your child's health care provider or visit https://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/schedules/parents-adults/resources-parents.html to learn more about which vaccines your child may need. Call 211 to find a health care provider near you.
As we continue to see high case activity throughout the state, it is also important that we add layers of protection, like wearing masks and staying home when feeling sick.
Thank you for doing your part to keep your child, family, and community healthy. If you have any questions please contact [insert your contact information or share the phone number 211 or email dhscovidvaccinepublic@wi.gov].
Sincerely,
[Insert your name and signature]
Email template for athletic programs
Dear parents and guardians,
We want to make sure our youth are in the best position possible for athletic and personal success. This includes getting to compete and play freely without needing to worry about getting sick with COVID-19, or getting others sick. We are glad our children (5 years and older) can get vaccinated to protect themselves and the people are around them.
At [insert your organization name], we [insert reference to mission]. You play an important part in that mission. We need your help to ensure your child 5 years and older is protected against COVID-19 and other diseases, so that we can build a healthy athletic community together. COVID-19 vaccination is not only the safest and most effective way to protect our community from COVID-19, it will also help you and your child make the most of this season.
- Fully vaccinated adolescents and adults do not have to quarantine if exposed to COVID-19. But make sure to monitor for symptoms and wear a mask in public indoor spaces for 14 days or until you receive a negative test result so you don’t spread the disease. This will keep your child in the game so they can play the sports they love.
- The COVID-19 vaccine protects against serious illness. It helps our bodies recognize and fight COVID-19, so we don't get sick or spread the disease. In September 2021, fully vaccinated adolescents ages 12-15 years old were diagnosed with COVID-19 at a rate 12 times lower than adolescents who were not fully vaccinated.
- Getting the vaccine can protect your child from becoming infected with the currently circulating variants of COVID-19 and help to slow the emergence of new variants. Some COVID-19 variants have mutations that make them spread more easily. Because variants like these are more common now, people who are unvaccinated, including children, are more likely to get COVID-19 now than they were earlier in the pandemic.
By getting your child vaccinated, you and your family can enjoy this season with less stress, knowing you are protected against COVID-19. Find a vaccination site near you by visiting Vaccines.gov, texting your ZIP code to 438829, or calling 211 today.
Please also make sure your family is up-to-date on other routine vaccinations. Many children and adolescents have missed routine well-child visits and vaccinations during the pandemic. Contact your child's health care provider or visit https://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/schedules/parents-adults/resources-parents.html to learn more about which vaccines your child may need.
As we continue to see high case activity throughout the state, it’s also important that we all add layers of protection, like wearing masks and staying home when feeling sick.
Thank you for doing your part to keep your child, family, teammates, and competitors healthy. If you have any questions please contact [insert your contact information or share the phone number 211 or email dhscovidvaccinepublic@wi.gov].
Sincerely,
[Insert your name and signature]
Social media messages
How to use: Share these messages on your social media platforms to encourage parents and adolescents ages 5 years and older to get vaccinated against COVID-19. Customize these posts by adding your own images and edit the messages to meet the needs of your organization and the families that you serve.
#YouStopTheSpread #DontWaitVaccinate #VaccineReady #WeCanDoThis #ivax2protect #VaccinesSaveLives #HealingStartsHere #COVID19Vaccine
Youth programs or schools
Audience: Parents and guardians
Post #1: Did you or your child get vaccinated? Let us know why they got vaccinated and how it felt to take this important step. Send your picture or video to [insert your organization’s email, Google Form, or other process for collecting pictures].
Post #2: Don’t let your child miss out on the season's fun and games! Being fully vaccinated against COVID-19 means your child won’t have to quarantine if exposed. Vaccines are available for everyone 5 years and older. Visit Vaccines.gov or call 211 to find a COVID-19 vaccine for your child today.
Post #3: Enjoy the season with less stress when your child is protected against COVID-19. The COVID-19 vaccine is recommended for everyone 5 years and older. Go to Vaccines.gov or call 211 to find a COVID-19 vaccine for your child’s today.
Post #4: Now is when kids make memories that last a lifetime. Don’t let them miss out because of COVID-19. Vaccines are available for everyone 5 years and older. Visit Vaccines.gov or call 211 to find a COVID-19 vaccine for your child today.
Post #5: Did you know that some COVID-19 variants spread more easily and rapidly? We can slow further mutations of the virus by having more people get vaccinated. The COVID-19 vaccines are safe and effective for everyone 5 years and older. Help stop the spread by encouraging your child to get vaccinated today.
Youth programs or schools
Audience: Adolescents
Post #1: Did you get vaccinated? Let us know why you got vaccinated and how it felt to take this important step. Send your picture or video to [insert your organization’s email, Google Form, or other process for collecting pictures].
Post #2: Now is when you build memories that last a lifetime. Don’t miss out because of COVID-19. Vaccines are available for everyone 5 years and older. Visit Vaccines.gov or call 211 to find a COVID-19 vaccine near you today.
Post #3: Don’t miss out on this season's fun and games! Being fully vaccinated against COVID-19 means you won’t have to quarantine if exposed to COVID-19. Vaccines are available for everyone 5 years and older. Visit Vaccines.gov or call 211 today to find a COVID-19 vaccine near you.
Post #4: You can enjoy this season with less stress knowing you are protected against COVID-19. The COVID-19 vaccine is recommended for everyone 5 years and older. Go to Vaccines.gov or call 211 to find a COVID-19 vaccine site near you.
Athletic programs
Audience: Parents and guardians
Post #1: Did you or your child get vaccinated? Let us know why they got vaccinated or how it felt to take this important step. Send your picture or video to [insert your organization’s email, Google Form, or other process for collecting pictures].
Post #2: If your child gets their vaccine, they can stay in the game. Studies show the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine is highly effective at preventing COVID-19 in adolescents. That means once they are fully vaccinated, they won’t miss out on school or sports because of COVID-19.
Post #3: Your child may have symptoms like feeling tired or having a sore arm after they get a COVID-19 vaccine. This is normal and can be a sign their body is learning how to recognize and fight the virus that causes COVID-19. The symptoms will go away after a day or two, and they’ll be able to get back in the game!
Post #4: Safety is a top priority both in sports and for vaccines. State and national medical experts have worked to make sure you and your child can get safe and effective protection against COVID-19. We hope everyone 5 years and older gets fully vaccinated so that we can all stay in the game.
Post #5: Being fully vaccinated means no more quarantine if exposed. That means your child will not miss practice or games because of COVID-19! Get your child vaccinated and they can stay in the game. Visit Vaccines.gov or call 211 to find a COVID-19 vaccine provider near you.
Post #6: Did you know COVID-19 variants spread more easily and rapidly? We can slow further mutations of the virus by having more people get vaccinated. The COVID-19 vaccines are safe and effective for everyone 5 years or older. Help stop the spread by encouraging your child to get vaccinated today.
Athletic programs
Audience: Adolescents at athletic programs
Post #1: Being fully vaccinated means no more quarantine if you are exposed. Don’t miss important games because of COVID-19! Get vaccinated and make sure you stay in the game. Visit Vaccines.gov or call 211 to find a COVID-19 vaccine provider near you.
Post #2: By getting your COVID-19 vaccine, you can stay in the game. The Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine works great at preventing COVID-19 in people 5 years and older. That means you won’t miss out on school or sports because of COVID-19 once you’re fully vaccinated.
Post #3: You may feel tired or have a sore arm after you get a COVID-19 vaccine. This is normal and can be a sign that your body is learning how to recognize and fight the virus that causes COVID-19. The symptoms will go away after a day or two, and you can play protected against COVID-19!
Post #4: Safety is a top priority both in sports and for vaccines. State and national medical experts have worked to make sure you can get safe and effective protection against COVID-19. If you are 5 years or older, get fully vaccinated so you can stay in the game!
Post #5: Just like athletes study the opponent and practice the moves to win, vaccines help our bodies learn how to recognize and defend against the virus that causes COVID-19. Two weeks after your second dose of the COVID-19 vaccine, you’ll be fully vaccinated and protected.
Graphics
How to use: Click on the pictures or the links below to open the images. Download the images to share on your social media or print and hang them up in public spaces. To request physical, printed copies of these or other Wisconsin Department of Health Services (DHS) COVID-19 materials, please follow these instructions. Email dhscovidvaccinator@wi.gov to request customizable versions.
If you share these graphics on social media, include the following text along with one of the above social media messages:
When you are fully vaccinated, you do not need to quarantine, but you should get tested and wear a mask in public indoor spaces for 14 days or until you receive a negative test result.
Youth programs or schools
Audience: Parents and guardians
Help them protect each other, your family, and your community
Download the image: English
Protect your kids from COVID-19. Get your kids vaccinated today!
Download the image: English
Protect your kids from COVID-19. Get your kids vaccinated today!
Download the image: English
Protect your kids from COVID-19. Go to Vaccines.gov or call 211 to find a COVID-19 vaccine for kids 5 and older.
Download the image: English
Youth programs or schools
Audience: Adolescents
Get your COVID-19 vaccine, so you don't miss the fun and games!
Download the image: English
Protect your squad with all your might.
Download the image: English
We got our COVID-19 vaccines to protect our friends and families.
Download the image: English
We got our COVID-19 vaccines to protect our friends and families.
Download the image: English
Athletic programs
Audience: Parents and guardians
Protect the crew with all your might.
Download the image: English
COVID-19 vaccines help your kids stay in the game!
Download the image: English
COVID-19 vaccines help your kids stay in the game!
Download the image: English
COVID-19 vaccines help your kids stay in the game!
Download the image: English
COVID-19 vaccines help your kids stay in the race!
Download the image: English
COVID-19 vaccines help your kids stay in the race!
Download the image: English
Athletic programs
Audience: Adolescents
Protect your squad with all your might.
Download the image: English
Get your COVID-19 vaccine and stay in the game!
Download the image: English
Get your COVID-19 vaccine and stay in the game!
Download the image: English
Get your COVID-19 vaccine and stay in the game!
Download the image: English
Additional resources
- This is their shot!, a toolkit from the American Academy of Pediatrics has frequently updated videos, messages, and graphics which highlight that the COVID-19 vaccines are safe and effective for children, teens, and young adults. Share these posts that explain the science behind the vaccines so families can make informed decisions about protecting themselves and their families against COVID-19.
- Tips on How to Be There For Your Child During Vaccinations
- Frequently Asked Questions on Vaccination for Ages 5 and Older: What Parents and Guardians Should Know
- Webinar recording and transcript about Strategies to Promote COVID-19 Vaccine among Adolescents and Their Families from the U.S. Health Resources & Services Administration
- Outreach Resources about COVID-19 Vaccinations for Children Ages 5+ from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services' We Can Do This campaign including campaign ads, videos, a coloring book, sticker, and more
- CDC Resources to Promote the COVID-19 Vaccine for Children & Teens including social media graphics and posters, videos, customizable letters to parents.
- Graphics: Children and COVID-19 Vaccinations from the Public Health Communications Collaborative
DHS also asks that you consider hosting an on-site vaccination clinic at your programming locations. If you are interested in holding an on-site vaccination clinic at your location, first contact your local or tribal health department. In the event you are unable to connect with your local or tribal health department, communicate your interest to DHS through the vaccination clinic matching survey.
Do you need trainings and resources on creating a youth- and adolescent-friendly environment at your clinic? Check out University of Michigan’s Adolescent Health Initiative (AHI) 15-minute, ready-to-use trainings that can be delivered to your entire health center or organization.
Community guidance for providing vaccination access
Request to be matched with a COVID-19 vaccine provider to hold an on-site clinic if you have an identified group of individuals ready to be vaccinated.
The following resources help partners get vaccine to people in new spaces and in an equitable way.
Employers
- Learn more about workplace vaccination resources for employers.
- Request to be matched with a vaccine provider to hold an on-site clinic for your employees and their families.
- This document will walk you through the steps for getting your employees vaccinated: Wisconsin Employer-Based COVID-19 Vaccination Clinics, P-02942 (also available in Spanish).
Community and faith-based organizations
- Learn how community leaders can provide access to vaccinations: Guidance for Community and Faith-Based Organizations, P-02971.
- Request to be matched with a vaccine provider to hold an on-site clinic if you have an identified group of individuals ready to be vaccinated.
Schools
Schools play an important role in COVID-19 prevention and are uniquely positioned to teach about, link families to, or even assist in delivering COVID-19 vaccines. School-located vaccination clinics help to make vaccination as accessible as possible to students. This guide provides a roadmap for school district administrators and vaccinators to work together directly to set up vaccination clinics in places that K–12 students and their parents know and trust.
School-Located Vaccination Clinics: Best Practices for School Districts provides guidance relating to roles and responsibilities, date and site selection, outreach, and hosting the clinic.
The following links provide additional information about pediatric COVID-19 vaccination and school-located vaccination clinics.
- COVID-19 Vaccination for Children 5-11 Years Old | CDC
- COVID-19 Vaccines for Children and Teens | CDC
- Considerations for Planning School-Located Vaccination Clinics | CDC
- Guidance for COVID-19 Prevention in K-12 Schools | CDC
- Guide to On-Site Vaccination Clinics for School | WeCanDoThis.HHS.gov
- Communication Resources for COVID-19 Vaccines | CDC
- Frequently Asked Questions about COVID-19 Vaccination | CDC
Homebound individuals
It is important to increase access of the COVID-19 vaccine, including for people who are homebound. AMI Expeditionary Healthcare (AMI) conducts COVID-19 vaccination visits for people who are homebound. If you or a partner have identified someone who needs help accessing COVID-19 vaccines at home, reach out to your local or tribal health department or refer to this list of groups providing at home vaccination developed by 211 Wisconsin.
Local or tribal health departments can email DHSCovidVaccinePublic@wi.gov to be connected with AMI to schedule homebound vaccination appointments.
Additionally, the following resource is to help local and tribal health departments and vaccinators in partnering with local and state organizations to identify and vaccinate homebound individuals. Every community is different and can adapt this guidance to their specific needs: COVID-19 Vaccination Distribution Implementation Program: Guidance for Reaching Individuals Who are Homebound and Individuals with Mobility Concerns, P-02972.
Hosting and coordinating vaccination clinics
- What you need to consider for establishing or hosting a community-based COVID-19 vaccination clinic: COVID-19 Vaccination Distribution Implementation Program: Planning a COVID-19 Vaccination Clinic Checklist, P-02973.
- Community walk-in clinics are valuable for advancing equity among communities and populations who face significant barriers to accessing vaccination. This document helps vaccine providers consider certain factors and logistics when administering vaccine through a walk-in clinic: Community Walk-In Vaccination Clinic Guidance for Providers, P-02986.
Handouts to print and distribute
To request physical, printed copies of these or other DHS COVID-19 materials, please follow these instructions.
About the vaccine
COVID-19 Vaccine: Fertility and Pregnancy, P-03133
English | Chinese Mandarin | Dari | Hindi | Hmong | Karen | Somali | Spanish | Swahili
I've already had COVID-19. Why do I need to get the vaccine? P-03038
English | Hindi | Hmong | Somali | Spanish
COVID-19 Vaccine Conversations, P-03137
English | Chinese Mandarin | Hindi | Hmong | Somali | Spanish
Get your COVID-19 vaccine and other vaccines at the same time, P-03136
English | Chinese Mandarin | Hindi | Hmong | Somali | Spanish
For Ages 5 and Older: What Parents and Guardians Should Know, P-02990
English | Hindi | Hmong | Somali | Spanish
Paying for Childhood Vaccinations, P-03127
English | Chinese Mandarin | Dari | Hindi | Hmong | Somali | Spanish
Paying for Adult Vaccinations, P-03127A
English | Chinese Mandarin | Dari | Hindi | Hmong | Somali | Spanish
How do viruses mutate? How can Vaccination Help? P-03008
English | Chinese | Hindi | Hmong | Somali | Spanish
Additional resources
View a complete list of COVID-19 videos and print materials translated into multiple languages.
Getting the vaccine: before, during, and after
Tips on how to be there for your child during vaccinations, P-03126
English | Chinese | Hindi | Hmong | Somali | Spanish
Next Steps: After You Receive the COVID-19 Vaccine, P-02879
English | Hindi | Hmong | Somali | Spanish
Additional resources
- View a complete list of DHS COVID-19 videos and print materials translated into multiple languages.
- V-safe handouts help your patients download and navigate the v-safe app for personalized health check-ins and easy reporting of side effects after vaccination.
Images and videos for your social media accounts or website
DHS images
Graphics to share on your social media accounts
To get started, save the image you want to use. Remember to include the following hyperlink in your social media post dhs.wisconsin.gov/covid-19/vaccine.htm and hashtag #YouStopTheSpread.
General vaccine graphics
Protect your children from the delta variant
Download the image: English
Shots and screenings? Covered.
Download the image: English
COVID-19 vaccines save lives
Download the image: English
The COVID-19 vaccine protects you
Download the image: English
You can mix and match COVID-19 vaccine booster doses
Download the image: English
Get vaccinated for the best protection against COVID-19 (data page)
Download the image: English
Get vaccinated for the best protection against COVID-19 (data)
Download the image: English
Why is there a difference between a booster dose and an additional dose?
Download the image: English
How do you stop the spread?
Download the image: English
FDA EUA vs. full approval: What's the difference?
Download the image: English
I lost my vaccination card, where can I find my COVID-19 Vaccine Record
Download the image: English
Q&A: Get the facts
Have questions about the COVID-19 vaccine?
Download the image: English
Q: Can I get COVID-19 from the vaccine?
Download the image: English
Can I get COVID-19 from the vaccine? A: No.
Download the image: English
Q: Can a COVID-19 vaccine cause you to test positive?
Download the image: English
Can a COVID-19 vaccine cause you to test positive? A: No.
Download the image: English
Q: How many doses of COVID-19 vaccine are required to complete the vaccine series?
Download the image: English
How many doses of COVID-19 vaccine are required..? A: 2, 2, 1
Download the image: English
Image to use on your website
To get started, download the high quality image. Remember to include the following hyperlink dhs.wisconsin.gov/covid-19/vaccine.htm.
DHS videos
Videos to share on your social media accounts or website
To upload these videos to your website or social media accounts, you will need to open the videos in YouTube and click share. You can open the video in YouTube by playing the video and clicking on the YouTube logo. Remember to include the following hyperlink in your social media post dhs.wisconsin.gov/covid-19/vaccine.htm and hashtag #YouStopTheSpread.
Dr. Jasmine Zapata talks about COVID 19 vaccine protecting people who are pregnant, breastfeeding, and their babies. DHS frequently uploads videos about COVID-19 to our YouTube channel.
Dr. Ryan Westergaard, WI DHS Chief Medical Director for Communicable Diseases, explains community disease transmission and herd immunity in this animation.
DHS's Our Doctors campaign brings together health care professionals across the state of Wisconsin, from different health systems and specialties, to share their confidence in the COVID-19 vaccines.
Videos about the different COVID-19 vaccines, how to get one, why you should get one, and what you can expect during and after vaccination are available in Spanish. View the full playlist of our videos on YouTube and get the embed code needed to share video(s) on your website.
Additional resources
- COVID Vaccine Facts has social media graphics and messages for all platforms. Check out the COVID-19 vaccine safety fact sheet and FAQs on their website.
- Vaccinate Your Family has COVID-19 vaccine social media graphics and handouts you can share with your followers.
- Social Media Toolkit: COVID-19 Vaccinations from CDC provides sample social media messages and graphics.
- Public Health Communications Collaborative has a library of downloadable COVID-19 graphics and videos.
- THE CONVERSATION / LA CONVERSACIÓN provides rights-free videos where health care workers provide facts and dispel misinformation about the COVID-19 vaccines, in English and Spanish. In the series about kids and the COVID-19 vaccines, comedian and TV host, W. Kamau Bell, asks pediatricians the questions that many parents and caregivers have about the vaccine.
Tips and resources for your own communications
Talking about COVID-19 vaccination
- See the CDC’s clear guide on how to talk about COVID-19 vaccines with friends and family.
- The COVID-19 Vaccine Homepage has easy to read frequently asked questions, information about what to expect before and after COVID-19 vaccination, and resources for health care workers.
- Answer tough using the Public Health Communications Collaborative’s message guidance and framing.
- The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia answers frequently asked questions on their COVID-19 Vaccine Education Center website.
Resources for health care providers
- DHS's Making the C.A.S.E. for COVID-19 Vaccination is a four-step framework for health care professionals to communicate vaccine science and answer vaccine questions. It is important to be genuine, professional, and compassionate when having these conversations. Try using the C.A.S.E. Method the next time you talk to someone who has questions about the COVID-19 vaccine.
- Corroborate: Acknowledge the patient’s concern and find points on which you can agree. Set the tone for a respectful, successful talk.
- About Me: Describe what you have done to build your knowledge base and expertise on this issue.
- Science: Describe what the science says using language the patient will understand.
- Explain/Advise: Give your recommendation, based on the science.
- Yale School of Medicine is offering a free online module that contains instructional material for health care providers on the process of communicating with patients about the COVID-19 vaccine.
- This module focuses on recommendations on effective messaging strategies focused on how to say it rather than what to say.
- Yale's continuing medical education trainings are accredited by the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education (ACCME) to provide continuing medical education for both physician and non-physician attendees.
- Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia’s (CHOP) Vaccine Education Center released a free, web-based interactive module, Communicating about Vaccines – COVID-19 and More. It is divided into three parts:
- Part 1: Details the dangers of COVID-19 disease, explains the U.S. system to authorize and license vaccines, and highlights the safety and effectiveness of COVID-19 vaccines
- Part 2: Explores best practices in vaccine communication
- Part 3: Reviews key points, offers additional resources, and explains how to receive continuing education credit (up to 2 hours) or a certificate of attendance
Using data to target your communication efforts
- Target your outreach by using the Neighborhood Health Partnerships’ interactive tool, COVID-19 Relative Mortality Risk and Barriers to Vaccination by ZIP Code. It lets you search by county and see which ZIP codes in your county have lowest resources or opportunities to protect their health with vaccines.
- Diagnose and address access and confidence challenges in your area. CDC has developed a Rapid Community Assessment Guide with customizable research instruments that can be adapted to different communities, including key informant interview guides, listening sessions, and a vaccine confidence survey.
- You can use the free Vaccine Equity Planner to identify useful partners or locations to hold vaccination clinics, easily taking into account distances to existing vaccination sites, varying social vulnerability, and people’s intentions to get vaccinated. This tool identifies COVID-19 “vaccine deserts,” where people have little or no convenient access to vaccination, and potential new vaccination sites to address the gaps.
- See which areas have the lowest COVID-19 vaccination rates by:
- Census tracts
- Municipalities (cities, towns, and villages)
- School district boundaries
- Zip code tabulation areas
Training in COVID-19 vaccine communication
Is your organization promoting COVID-19 vaccine confidence in your community? We offer in-depth trainings and a tailored presentation to partners about the Vaccine Communication Framework. Our goal is to give the trusted voices in the community the information and resources they need to feel confident about educating their communities. For more information, please email our vaccine team.
You can also view the Public Health Communication Collaborative’s resources and recorded webinars to gain deeper understanding of COVID-19 vaccine and public health communication. Topics include Successful COVID-19 Messaging in Rural Communities and messaging recommendations.
Addressing misinformation
- The U.S. Surgeon General Dr. Vivek Murthy issued an advisory warning the American public about the urgent threat of health misinformation. The advisory calls for a whole-of-society approach to fighting misinformation and includes specific suggestions for educators, health professionals, journalists, technology platforms, and more. Below are a few highlights, please see the alert for more details.
- Health misinformation takes away our power to make the best decision about our health.
- Each of us as individuals have the power and responsibility to confront misinformation.
- We need to work together with other organizations and individuals to develop local strategies against misinformation.
- Use the Public Health Communication Collaborative’s Misinformation Alerts to learn what misinformation is being shared in the moment and how to respond.
- Learn how to spot and stop the spread of misinformation with resources from Stronger, a national vaccine advocacy campaign.
Other federal and state resources
Transportation resources for COVID-19 vaccination appointments
State resources
- Wisconsin Medicaid Non-Emergency Medical Transportation
- Wisconsin Aging and Disability Resource Centers (ADRC) Consumer Page
- Wisconsin County and Tribal Aging Offices Services
- Wisconsin Regional Area Agencies on Aging
- Wisconsin Association of Mobility Managers - COVID-19 Resources
- Northeast Wisconsin Regional Access to Transportation Committee
National and federal resources
Avoiding COVID-19 vaccine scams
Avoiding COVID-19 vaccine scams: Please use this resource from the Department of Agriculture, Trade, and Consumer Protection (DATCAP) to help your audience learn more about how they can protect themselves or loved ones from potential vaccine fraud.
Health equity and outreach resources
CDC COVID-19 Materials for People with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities and Care Providers
View and share videos, posters, social stories, and interactive activities in English and Spanish.
CDC’s Health Equity Guiding Principles for Inclusive Communication
Apply health equity guiding principles across your public health communication work, including when creating information resources and presentations, when engaging with partners, and/or when developing and reviewing external or internal communication materials. This means:
- Using a health equity lens when framing information about health disparities.
- Considering the key principles, such as using person-first language and avoiding unintentional blaming.
- Using preferred terms for select population groups while recognizing that there isn’t always agreement on these terms.
- Considering how communications are developed and looking for ways to develop more inclusive health communications products.
- Exploring other resources and references related to health equity communications.
It's Up to You: Rural Resource Toolkit
Share resources from the Rural Resource Toolkit, including customizable public service announcements, graphics, and other media with facts about vaccination. You can also use the Ad Council and COVID Collaborative's messaging principles and other creative assets to create your own communication about COVID-19 vaccination to rural residents.
Urban Indian Health Institute and IllumiNative
The For the Love of Our People campaign, created by IllumiNative and Urban Indian Health Institute, brings together Native health experts and creatives to provide engaging, up-to-date information about COVID-19 vaccines and other COVID-19-related topics. This campaign includes COVID-19 vaccination messaging, graphics, videos, guides, and other resources.
The Black Coalition Against COVID, UnidosUS, and Greater than COVID
In THE CONVERSATION #BetweenUsAboutUs / LA CONVERSACIÓN #EnreNosotrosSobreNosotros, Black and Latinx doctors, nurses, researchers, and community health care workers provide facts and dispel misinformation about the COVID-19 vaccines. Their Black and Latinx community toolkits have more than 125 FAQ videos, TV and radio PSAs, print materials, and social media posts all, available in English and Spanish. The videos are designed to be shared on social and can also be embedded directly from YouTube on your website.
American Lung Association
Better For It Vaccine Toolkit Series is made up of four toolkits designed by the American Lung Association, the Center for Black Health and Equity, and the League of United Latin American Citizens. Each of the culturally-relevant toolkits provide the opportunity for individuals and communities to:
- Fact check and supplement their own research on vaccines, especially the COVID-19 vaccine;
- Encourage a dialogue among friends, health care provider, pastor, and family members;
- Share accurate information on social media;
- Learn and understand the contributions of scientists and public health advocates who are helping to bring this pandemic to an end.
They also include sharable resources, such as social media images, talking points, questions and answers, fact sheets, and inspirational quotes.
Public Health Alliance of Southern California
Checkout their video series on vaccine equity.
Refugee Community Advisory Board - Milwaukee
- Share educational COVID-19 videos with your audience. Many videos are available in multiple languages.
- Use the following scripts to create videos in your communities: vaccine safety, vaccine side effects, vaccine information and side effects.
National Resource Center for Refugees, Immigrants, and Migrants (NRC-RIM)
Fact sheets, posters, checklists, and other materials in more than 100 languages are available to support vaccine efforts among refugee, immigrant, and migrant communities.
