The Springfield-Greene County Health Department says 54% of all eligible residents in Greene County are not fully vaccinated against COVID-19.
In an effort to increase vaccination rates, the health department and the city of Springfield are starting the “Finish Strong 417: Neighbor to Neighbor” vaccine outreach campaign.
The health department announced details of the campaign in this edited press release:
The campaign will include door-to-door canvassing, text and phone banking and other longstanding public health outreach efforts to help address the questions and concerns of unvaccinated individuals and connect them to vaccine opportunities in our community. The initiative is funded in part by the Missouri Foundation for Health.
“The more people who are vaccinated, the safer we all are,” said Director of Health Katie Towns. “But we also understand that many people still have questions about the vaccine, and we want to provide every opportunity possible to get those questions answered.”
The award from the Missouri Foundation for Health is funding two Community Health Advocates who will go door-to-door in areas of Springfield with low vaccination rates. The campaign also provides training for individuals and organizations who would like to become “Vaccine Champions” to help promote and encourage vaccination efforts. They will be provided materials and support, so they feel confident in going out into the community, talking to their neighbors and friends about the vaccine, and increasing vaccination rates in Greene County.
Organizations and individuals interested in becoming Vaccine Champions and joining the Finish Strong 417: Neighbor to Neighbor campaign should contact the Health Department’s Outreach Team at coronavirus@springfieldmo.gov or call (417) 874-1211 for more information.