Xavier Becerra United States Secretary of Health and Human Services | Official Website
The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) launched a new national campaign today to inform the public about common respiratory viruses and available vaccines. The campaign, Risk Less. Do More., aims to increase awareness of vaccines that reduce serious illness from influenza (flu), COVID-19, and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) in high-risk populations and to limit the spread of these viruses among all Americans.
“Vaccines for COVID-19, flu, and RSV have helped to save millions of lives, keep countless people out of the hospital, and provided peace of mind for the country. As fall approaches and people spend more time indoors, I encourage everyone to protect themselves and their loved ones by getting vaccinated,” said HHS Secretary Xavier Becerra. “The Biden-Harris Administration is committed to providing accessible and actionable health information for all U.S. residents, across age, geography, and race/ethnicity. We will continue working every day to ensure the tools are available, and I hope everyone takes this opportunity to stay healthy.”
Flu, COVID-19, and RSV continue to take a heavy toll across the United States. During a six-month period last fall and winter, these infections caused 800,000 hospitalizations. Without immunization, the risk of serious illness remains highest in certain populations, including adults ages 65 and older, residents of long-term care facilities, pregnant people, and those living in rural areas. Some racial and ethnic groups, including Black and Hispanic populations in the United States, are also at higher risk.
“Respiratory illness from flu, COVID-19, and RSV viruses usually surge during colder weather and can cause severe disease, hospitalization, and even death,” said HHS Assistant Secretary for Public Affairs Jeffery A Nesbit. “The goal of the Risk Less. Do More. campaign is to increase confidence in vaccines that play an important role in preventing severe illness from these viruses and to provide the information that the American people need to make the decision to get vaccinated this fall and winter.”
Risk Less. Do More. will deliver research-based messages through paid advertising and media coverage on TV, radio, print media platforms such as social media outlets digital channels as well as out-of-home platforms like billboards or posters.. The campaign will reach all audiences with a particular focus on those at highest risk including older Americans who may have less access healthcare information support providing them facts about life-saving vaccines help avoid severe illness HHS partnering state local health departments national community organizations ensure all audiences access information sources they trust
“Risk Less Do More crucial element multi-layered response encourage people get vaccinated so they can keep doing more what love” said May Malik Senior Advisor Public Education Campaigns HHS “The campaign working closely federal agencies well national local partners amplify extend reach”
HHS previously spearheaded COVID-19 vaccination campaign We Can Do This one largest public education campaigns U.S history which saved tens thousands lives billions dollars costs related infections encouraged 22 million people complete primary series between April 2021 March 2022
For more information on Risk Less Do More please visit RiskLessDoMore.hhs.gov For more about respiratory illnesses cdc.gov/RiskLessDoMore
About Risk Less Do More The U.S Department Health Human Services Pan Respiratory Virus Public Education Campaign seeks inform public about influenza COVID-19 respiratory syncytial virus vaccines aims motivate higher uptake reducing public health burden individuals families communities nation Additionally increase public confidence cultivate vaccine literacy enhance awareness accessibility especially within vulnerable communities For more visit RiskLessDoMore.hhs.gov
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