All In: Closing the COVID-19 Vaccine Gap
A National Urban League Partnership
Being All In looks a lot different than it did at the beginning of the pandemic.
The world has returned to normal. Businesses have reopened, mask mandates are over, and we’ve been reunited with our favorite people and places. And the Biden Administration officially declared an end to the federal Covid-19 public health emergency on May 11, 2023.
Thankfully, due to the efficacy of the global vaccination rollout, the number of hospitalizations and deaths have plummeted from their highs in 2020 and 2021. However, our community is still at risk.
This fall the CDC has made things plain and simple, every American over the age of 6 months old should get the newest vaccine against COVID. Still have questions? We have answers below.
In a post-COVID world, we recommend four ways to keep yourself safe.
- Get Vaccinated: Millions of lives have been saved since the introduction of COVID-19 vaccines, and they are still the safest and most effective way to protect yourself.
The CDC’s Bridge Access Program officially launched, providing continued access to COVID-19 vaccines at no cost for the estimated 25-30 million adults who would have otherwise lost access now that these products have transitioned to the commercial market. The Bridge Access Program will temporarily provide updated COVID-19 vaccines at no cost to adults without health insurance and adults whose insurance does not cover all COVID-19 costs through December 2024. - COVID-19 Hygiene Still Applies: Washing your hands for just 30 seconds cuts the risks of contracting and spreading viruses in every setting year-round.
- Masking Makes a Difference: After three years of vigilance, it feels great to take a breather from constant masking. But we can still protect ourselves in situations when we're at higher risk of contracting COVID-19, such as on crowded flights, at large events, or in hospitals. And be sure to wear a mask around the most vulnerable in our lives, such as immunocompromised or elderly loved ones.
- Feeling Sick? Get Tested: When we’re under the weather, it’s easy to blame it on seasonal allergies or the common cold, but the only way to rule out a COVID-19 infection is to get tested. Testing is widely available and free. If you’re feeling unwell, get a test today.
In a post-COVID world, we recommend four ways to keep yourself safe.
- Get Vaccinated: Millions of lives have been saved since the introduction of COVID-19 vaccines, and they are still the safest and most effective way to protect yourself.
- COVID-19 Hygiene Still Applies: Washing your hands for just 30 seconds cuts the risks of contracting and spreading viruses in every setting year-round.
- Masking Makes a Difference: After three years of vigilance, it feels great to take a breather from constant masking. But we can still protect ourselves in situations when we're at higher risk of contracting COVID-19, such as on crowded flights, at large events, or in hospitals. And be sure to wear a mask around the most vulnerable in our lives, such as immunocompromised or elderly loved ones.
- Feeling Sick? Get Tested: When we’re under the weather, it’s easy to blame it on seasonal allergies or the common cold, but the only way to rule out a COVID-19 infection is to get tested. Testing is widely available and free. If you’re feeling unwell, get a test today.
It’s been over two years since the COVID-19 vaccines were introduced to the world. Since then, they’ve saved millions of lives and allowed us to get back to normal.
That doesn’t mean people still aren’t spreading misinformation in blogs, on TikTok, and across social media.
Get the facts here.
Our affiliates have seen the impact of COVID-19 firsthand. They helped families that lost income during the lockdowns, kept our kids’ heads up during virtual learning, and supported community members who lost loved ones to the virus.
Keeping us going in this pandemic has genuinely taken a village. Please look at the fantastic work of the Urban League movement, including the work under our HRSA grant, which empowers six affiliates in areas with low vaccination rates with community health navigators that walk members of the community through the vaccine process.