The COVID-19 “Have The Talk” Campaign

As we begin 2022, we face a dramatic increase in COVID cases, and our healthcare system is once again at risk of being overwhelmed. The new year also brings new tools in our fight against COVID, including vaccine availability for children and boosters for most adults. Our most effective intervention is to harness the power of our human services work in the community – and to give our neighbors, clients, stakeholders, and staff members safe spaces to “Have the Talk” about vaccination for themselves and their children. We know that informal discussion about the vaccine decision-making process normalizes vaccination, builds trust, respects autonomy, and can help accelerate the vaccination decision. Simply initiating or supporting an informal dialogue around vaccination can be highly impactful.

The Indiana Region of the American Red Cross has teamed up with a coalition of more than 65 community organizations to help individuals and groups continue conversations with others about the COVID-19 vaccination. Here you will find videos, social media content, and graphics that can be used by any organization wanting to engage its stakeholders in these critical vaccination conversations.

Details of this campaign can be found in this partner packet.

The Indiana Region of the American Red Cross has produced several resources that can aid organizations in promoting vaccine discussion which can be found below.

Videos were created to help facilitate the dialogue discussion about the COVID-19 vaccine.

COVID-19 Vaccine Social Messaging

Social media has been a main source of information to find out details about the COVID-19 vaccine. In the space of misinformation, the coalition wants to provide accurate, informative, and data-driven facts on our social platforms to facilitate a dialogue about the COVID-19 vaccine. In the partner packet, you will find social content translated into the seven most prominent languages used in Indiana: Spanish, Arabic, French, Burmese, Hakha Chin, Chinese and Polish.

Twitter – Social Media Toolkit

1. We’re partnering with @INRedCross to help educate our communities about the #COVIDVaccine for children. Learn how the vaccine is safe and effective for our kids by talking to your health care provider or visiting cdc.gov/coronavirus.
2. Everyone plays a part in stopping the COVID-19 pandemic, even our children. Learn more about the vaccine and how to protect yourself and family, visit cdc.gov/coronavirus.
3. People may have different concerns about vaccinating their children, but you can become an ambassador and educate your community, family, and friends. Learn more: cdc.gov/coronavirus.
4. Getting the #COVIDVaccine is a surefire way to keep your family safe, protected and on the move. Visit cdc.gov/coronavirus to learn more.
5. Have you had the talk about the COVID-19 vaccine? Many may be hesitant about it, but having a conversation is key to understanding how to stop the pandemic. Learn more at ourshot.in.gov.
6. Life has not been the same due to COVID-19, but we can get back to normal with the help of the vaccine. Have the talk with your family and friends about their plans to get vaccinated.
7. I’m rolling up for ______. Who are you Rolling up for? (use with photo of person getting vaccinated)
8. Everyone plays a part in stopping the COVID-19 pandemic, even you! To learn more about the vaccine and how to protect yourself and your family, visit ourshot.in.gov.
9. Let’s make COVID-19 a distant memory. Have the talk in your community about the vaccine and how to support each other in getting vaccinated.
10. Want to know how to have the conversation about the COVID-19 vaccine? Ask questions, listen, and offer support.

Facebook – Social Media Toolkit

1. Listening, asking questions, and offering support are three ways to have an effective and transparent conversation about the COVID-19 vaccine for children. Find out more at cdc.gov/coronavirus.
2. We are partnering with the American Red Cross – Indiana Region to educate and support our communities about the COVID-19 vaccine for children and empowering them to have the discussion about it. Have the talk with your family, friends, and health care provider about getting your children vaccinated.
3. The COVID-19 pandemic slowed us down, but the vaccine is the gateway to keeping your family safe, protected, and on the move. Have the talk with your health care provider about what the COVID-19 vaccine can do for you and your family.
4. Everyone plays a part in stopping the COVID-19 pandemic, even you! To learn more about the vaccine and how to protect yourself and your family, visit ourshot.in.gov.
5. I’m rolling up for ______. Who are you rolling up your sleeve for? (use with photo of person getting vaccinated)

Instagram – Social Media Toolkit

Recommended Hashtags: #COVID #Vaccine #GetVaccinated #StopThePandemic #ProtectYourself #StartTheConversation #HaveTheTalk

Images created for the Have The Talk campaign

These images were created to be used for social media and billboards. The campaign was targeted to Black and Latinx communities being less hesitant to get the vaccine.

Billboards posted around Central Indiana

Coalition Members:

Coalition Members

News Coverage received in the Indianapolis area

The Red Cross and the Coalition have received multiple news coverage centered around this campaign.