I kicked COVID to the curb! That’s the new campaign Westchester County has launched to encourage Westchester County teens and young adults to get vaccinated for COVID-19. The campaign includes a PSA with New York Knick and Ossining native Obi Toppin and Knick Immanuel “IQ” Quickley.
Along with the New York Knicks PSA, the county is also launching an aggressive social media campaign, hosting a youth town hall May 13 to answer questions young people might have about the vaccine and is partnering with local schools, libraries and more to directly get the information in the hands of young people and their parents.
“It’s been a long time since I was a teenager, but I remember what it was like,” County Executive George Latimer. “When I was a young man I thought I was invincible, and in some ways you are when you are young, but when it comes to COVID-19 you are not. Get vaccinated. Don’t let anything impact or threaten the very bright future you have ahead of you. It’s a simple, quick shot and it will help protect you and the people you love.”
Early on the county’s vaccination efforts were focused on the most vulnerable members of the population—older people and those with severe health issues. Now, the focus is on those 16 to 25 years old. Currently, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration has authorized the emergency use of a Pfizer vaccine to prevent COVID-19 for people 16 years of age and older. For those 18 year old and older Johnson & Johnson and Moderna are also approved. There is no vaccine approved yet for children under age 16.
“The New York Knicks and MSG are proud to work with Westchester County on this important initiative to encourage young people to get a COVID-19 vaccine shot,” said Rich Constable, MSG Sports head of Social Impact. “As the CDC has said, the available COVID-19 vaccines
are safe and effective and will allow all of us to get back to enjoying many of the activities we love—like playing basketball. We encourage everyone who has not yet been vaccinated to get their shot.”
To schedule an appointment at Westchester Community College in Valhalla, visit: westchestergov.com/health
To schedule an appointment at a New York State operated clinic, visit: covid19vaccine.health.ny.gov
To locate clinics, pharmacies and other locations that offer the COVID-19 vaccine, use the Vaccine Finder Tool: vaccinender.org/search
For more information, please call the Westchester County Department of Health at 995-7425.
(Submitted)
