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  3. Extension Strengthening Immunization Excitement
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UConn Strengthening Immunization Excitement

UConn Extension received funding to strengthen immunization excitement in Connecticut through a grant funded project by USDA-NIFA and the CDC. The UConn project focuses on residents in Windham, Middletown, East Hartford, Mashantucket, and Groton.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) provided $9.95 million in funding to the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA) to support an innovative approach to community education and partnerships to advance adult immunization. This is the two agencies’ first concentrated vaccine education effort.

Our secondary cities continue to be underserved in statewide public health initiatives, and COVID immunization levels in Connecticut align with this trend. While our state is relatively successful in our initial immunization efforts, pockets of underserved audiences exist at the first level of vaccination.

Our goal is to strengthen excitement for immunization in our five secondary cities in Connecticut. We are working with stakeholders to understand the barriers, identify key community influencers, create target social media and print media to increase vaccine awareness, efficacy, and safety and willingness to obtain vaccination.

COVID vaccine info postcard

Safe and effective vaccines are America's best protection against COVID-19. Join the millions of others who are getting the COVID-19 vaccine for themselves, their families, their communities, and so much more. Find vaccines near you at vaccines.gov. #WeCanDoThis

Your Vaccine Questions - Answered

Which COVID vaccine should I get?

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The CDC recently endorsed updated recommendations made by the ACIP for the prevention of COVID-19. Choose Moderna/Pfizer over J&J if you can. However, ANY vaccine is better than no vaccine! P.S. Get your booster, too! See: cdc.gov/media/releases

How are vaccines developed and regulated?

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After the vaccine has passed all three phases of clinical development, the next stage in vaccine development is regulatory review and approval. Learn more about what this stage entails!

Vaccine Immunity versus Natural Immunity

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Vaccines and illness both give you antibodies to fight COVID-19. The biggest difference? COVID-19 carries risk of serious illness and death, especially for the unvaccinated. COVID-19 vaccines *protect* against serious illness and death.

Get a COVID-19 vaccine and booster to protect yourself and your community.

Is the information on social media accurate?

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There is a lot of misinformation on social media. Many of us read misinformation without even knowing it! This is why it is important to question what you read online, especially when the information relates to COVID-19 vaccines.

Have Questions about the COVID-19 Vaccine? Here is a quick Q & A

Still unsure about getting the COVID-19 vaccine? We are here to make sure your questions are answered!

What does the science really say about the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine?

Wondering what the science *really* says about the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine?
... It works.
Pfizer is an FDA approved COVID-19 vaccine. If you are age 12 or older, you are eligible for the two-dose vaccine series. Certain people, including those over age 65 and those at high risk due to medical conditions or occupation, are eligible for a Pfizer booster shot.
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Is the COVID-19 vaccine recommended during pregnancy?

Pregnant persons are at risk of serious illness, death, and poor pregnancy outcomes if they get COVID-19. This is why COVID-19 vaccines are recommended for all people who are pregnant, recently pregnant, or trying to become pregnant now or in the future.
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Pregnancy, pre-pregnancy, and postpartum are times where many people consider their personal health behaviors. Getting a COVID-19 vaccine is one of the best choices you can make to protect the health of yourself and your infant or fetus.
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How does the mRNA vaccine work?

Curious about the different types of vaccinations? Perhaps you’re familiar with the mRNA vaccine, but there’s more than one kind! Learn more about each by exploring the three we discuss.

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Do vaccines cause autism?

There is a common myth that vaccines cause Autism Spectrum Disorders. After a thorough investigation, scientists discovered that the study claiming a vaccine-Autism link was based on false data! 🤯 The (former) doctor who authored the study is no longer allowed to practice medicine.
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Because scientists care about #VaccineSafety, they studied the link between Autism and vaccines very carefully. MANY studies have found that there is NO link between vaccines and Autism Spectrum Disorders.🙅
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Vaccines are rigorously tested for safety. This includes the COVID-19 vaccine, MMR vaccines, and others. Vaccines are our best defense against highly contagious infectious disease, including COVID-19.🦠
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Booster Shots: What You Need to Know

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COVID-19 vaccines work. COVID-19 boosters help them work even better. When are you getting your booster?

How are vaccines manufactured?

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First there is regulatory and review stage of vaccine development. The next stage is the manufacturing process. Learn more about what this stage consists of!

Who is eligible for a booster shot?

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Did you hear? The CDC states that everyone age 16+ is now eligible for a booster shot!

Why do the COVID recommendations keep changing?

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PSA!Public address loudspeaker

Public health guidelines change when science changes. When @CDCgov and other public health officials change their guidelines, it means that they are paying attention to the science. This is GOOD! Following public health guidelines can help keep you and your family safe.

How did the COVID-19 vaccines get developed?

Scientists created COVID-19 vaccines to stop the spread of disease. The quick pace of vaccine creation and authorization might make some people worry about vaccine safety. However, learning more about COVID-19 vaccine creation might help you feel more comfortable about getting a shot yourself! For example, did you know that mRNA technology was being studied *LONG* before the start of the COVID-19 pandemic?
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Who makes the COVID-19 vaccine?

Perhaps you’re aware of the different types of COVID-19 vaccines that are currently in circulation, but want to learn more about who made them. Here are some quick facts about Pfizer and their efforts in creating and distributing the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine.
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What are the different types of COVID-19 vaccines?

There are 3 different COVID-19 vaccines that you can receive in the United States. The Pfizer-BioNTech and Moderna vaccines are mRNA vaccines, while the Johnson & Johnson vaccine uses an adenovirus. But what do these vaccines have in common?🤔
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👉They are EFFECTIVE in reducing your risk of catching, spreading, and becoming seriously ill with COVID-19.
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What do I need to know about the COVID-19 booster?

The FDA has authorized the distribution of the Pfizer-BioNTech booster shot. Here's what you should to know.

What is the history of vaccines?

If you’re still unsure about getting the COVID-19 vaccine because it was created so quickly, no need to worry. Vaccines have been around since the late 1700’s, and since then there have been many advancements in modern medicine. Here’s a quick overview of some monumental moments in vaccination history!
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Why We Vaccinated

Why We Vaccinated

Kimberly Bradley

Kim Bradley

Shuresh Ghimire

Shuresh Ghimire

Bob Ricard

Bob Ricard

Laura Cisneros

Laura Cisneros

Mary Concklin

Mary Concklin

Gail Reynolds

Michelle Winkler

Michelle Winkler

Tom Worthley

Tom Worthley

Kate Killion

Kate Killon

Jenifer Nadeau

Jen Nadeau

Sharon Gray

Sharon Gray

Emily Alger

Donna Zigmont

Donna Zigmont

Stacey Stearns

Stacey Stearns

Kim Rollins

Kim Rollins

Additional Resources

Project Leader

Jen Cushman

Jennifer.Cushman@uconn.edu

Funding Acknowledgement

Funding for this project was made possible by the Extension Foundation, USDA-NIFA, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and UConn Extension.

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