Written by Nancy Lee, as part of her Social Marketing Sightings theme.
The Pandemic has frequently promoted the following protective behaviors:
• Wear a mask
• Stay 6 feet apart
• Keep gatherings outside and small, fewer than 6 people
• Wash hands frequently
• Stay home if you feel sick
• Get tested if you have symptoms or think you may have been exposed
In the past 2 weeks (or more in some places) an emphasis is on a new behavior to add to the list:
• Get vaccinated
Many local news sources have shared what they have been informed are reasons people might not get the vaccine, in social marketing terms “What are the barriers?” An article in a local newspaper, written by a representative from the county public health department reported the following:
• It’s confusing since I don’t know when I’ll be eligible.
• I’m not sure it is known how effective they will be.
• If people think they make them safe, they might stop doing the protective behaviors.
• I’m more concerned about safety, especially since these vaccines were produced so quickly.
• I’m worried about whether there will be side effects and how bad they might be.
• How many people have severe allergic reactions and how would I know if I might too?