NLMA launches campaign to encourage COVID-19 vaccine uptake
The Newfoundland and Labrador Medical Association (NLMA) has launched a new ad
campaign that encourages all Newfoundlanders and Labradorians who have not yet registered
for the COVID-19 vaccine to get vaccinated. The campaign was launched during Phase
Three of the province’s vaccination plan, which allows any resident aged 12 and older to get
the vaccine.
“Since the beginning of the global pandemic, the majority of Newfoundlanders and
Labradorians have diligently followed public health advice, which has helped reduce the
spread of COVID-19 and made this province an example for other jurisdictions to follow,”
said NLMA President Dr. Lynette Powell.
“We are now calling on every person in the province who has not yet been vaccinated, to
please continue to do your part by registering to receive the vaccine if you are eligible. These
vaccines are proven to be safe and effective, and they are the best way to protect you and
your loved ones from getting severely sick or hospitalized,” she explained.
The campaign highlights the everyday moments and personal connections that have been
impacted by COVID-19, such as gatherings, spending time with family and friends, school
graduations, group sporting events, vacations, and other activities.
“The videos are upbeat and intended to instill hope, while at the same time convey to viewers
that we all have a responsibility to get vaccinated. If you think about all the moments we’ve
missed since the pandemic, you’ll find all the reasons to take a moment to get your vaccine,”
said Dr. Powell.
To compliment the videos, the NLMA is also developing a series of advertisements featuring
advice from past Presidents of the NLMA about why Newfoundlanders and Labradorians
should get vaccinated.
“Remember that after you receive your vaccine, it is extremely important to follow-up and
get your second booster shot as soon as it is available to you. It is also critical that you
continue to follow public health guidelines even after you have been vaccinated. While the
vaccine will reduce the severity of symptoms of COVID-19, you can still contract the virus
and pass it on to others. It takes at least two weeks before you start to develop immunity and
you may not be protected against new and emerging variants,” said Dr. Powell.
“We are not out of the woods yet, but every vaccine brings us one step closer to getting back
to our old way of life and each other,” she added.
If you have questions about the vaccine and your health, please use reliable sources that are
based on science and evidence. Talk to your doctor, nurse practitioner, pharmacist or member
of the public health team. To register for the vaccine please visit www.gov.nl.ca/covid-19.
Some of the NLMA’s ads can be viewed here.