Four Ky. health groups mount campaign for vaccinations

To overcome hesitancy or resistance to vaccination against the novel coronavirus, four Kentucky health groups have started a campaign of public-service announcements online and in print.

"Take It From Me" is based on surveys that adults are more likely to get vaccinated if so advised by someone they know. The PSAs feature a diverse group of individuals reassuring others to “Take it from me” that the vaccines are safe and effective.

The campaign comes from the Kentucky Medical Association, the Kentucky Foundation for Medical Care, the Foundation for a Healthy Kentucky, the Kentucky Hospital Association and the Kentucky Primary Care Association.

“Our organizations have teamed up because we know that getting more Kentuckians vaccinated is the best way to get our state back to enjoying the things we all miss and protecting everyone’s loved ones,” Nancy Galvagni, president of the hospital association, said in a news release.

“Many people have questions about the Covid-19 vaccines, and that’s okay,” said Ben Chandler, president and CEO of the Foundation for a Healthy Kentucky. “This campaign features Kentuckians willing to share the answers they have found to the most frequently stated vaccine concerns. It’s our hope that the campaign spokespersons will give those who are vaccine hesitant a higher level of comfort about getting their Covid-19 shot of prevention.”

KMA President Dale Toney, who appears in the spots, said, “We encourage talking to your physician about the vaccine. But through the ‘Take It From Me’ campaign, we also hope Kentuckians will talk to their friends and neighbors who have received it to help ease any concerns. Millions of people have been safely vaccinated—myself included—and we need as many as possible to receive it to put this pandemic behind us.”

The campaign also features Michael Branch, the first Louisville firefighter to contract Covid-19, who is married to a physician; Dr. Leigh Doane of Winchester, a mother of two young children who specializes in women’s health; Camille Jordan, senior vice president of clinical operations and innovation for Signature HealthCare, the state's largest nursing-home operator; Edward L. Palmer Sr., pastor of The Sign Of The Dove Church in Radcliff and social justice advocate; and Jason “JP” Phillips, University of Kentucky extension agent for agriculture in Simpson County.

The PSAs range from 90 to 255 seconds and can be downloaded here:
“Take It From Me” 1:30
“Take It From Me” 2:30
"Take It From Me" 3:30
“Take It From Me” 4:15