OMH Announces Theme for National Minority Health Month: #VaccineReady

The HHS Office of Minority Health (OMH) has selected Vaccine Ready as this year’s NMHM theme. The COVID-19 pandemic has had a disproportionate impact on racial and ethnic minority, American Indian and Alaska Native, and other diverse communities, and it is important to raise awareness about the need for these communities to get vaccinated.

This year’s theme for National Minority Health Month is #VaccineReady. The focus will be to empower communities to:

  • Get the facts about COVID-19 vaccines.

  • Share accurate vaccine information.

  • Participate in clinical trials.

  • Get vaccinated when the time comes.

  • Practice COVID-19 safety measures.

As more vaccines become available, there are steps communities can take to protect themselves until they can get vaccinated. Be sure to:

  • Wear a mask to protect yourself and others and stop the spread of COVID-19.

  • Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds.

  • Stay at least 6 feet (about 2 arm lengths) from others who don’t live with you.

  • Avoid crowds. The more people you are in contact with, the more likely you are to be exposed to COVID-19.

The #VaccineReady campaign will help communities practice COVID-19 safety measures, get the facts about COVID-19 vaccines, share accurate vaccine information, participate in clinical trials, and get vaccinated when the time comes. The campaign will also increase vaccine confidence by dispelling myths and misconceptions about the vaccines through the  #VaccineReady video series featuring trusted minority healthcare professionals and experts.

We encourage everyone to take time this month to learn about the COVID-19 vaccine resources that are available from OMH, CDC, HHS, and FDA. All of these webpages, provide educational materials such as videos on vaccine safety and diversity, podcast episodes, webinar recordings.

HOCC encourages all to Get the facts. Share the facts and Together we can do this and slow the spread of COVID-19.

Do your research. Take the time to ask questions and learn all you can about the COVID-19 vaccine from reliable sources so you can make the most informed decision about getting vaccinated.

Check out the resources below for more information:

  1. #VaccineReady video series located below and in the #VaccineReady playlist  on the OMH YouTube Channel. This video series is designed to provide communities with accurate information from trusted minority healthcare professionals and experts that will assist in easing vaccine hesitancy by dispelling myths and misconceptions about vaccines.

  2. Benefits of Getting a COVID-19 Vaccine: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/vaccines/vaccine-benefits.html

  3. The Office of Minority Health is dedicated to improving the health of racial and ethnic minority populations through the development of health policies and programs that will help eliminate health disparities. https://www.minorityhealth.hhs.gov/

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