Governor Tony Evers and the Wisconsin Department of Health Services (DHS) announced the launch of “Our Doctors” on July 15, a statewide multimedia campaign that will bring together health care professionals across the state of Wisconsin, from different health systems and specialties, to share their confidence in the COVID-19 vaccines.
The campaign encourages Wisconsinites who may be hesitant about vaccines to start a conversation with their own family doctor about the COVID-19 vaccines.
“From the beginning of this pandemic, we’ve trusted science and healthcare professionals to guide our state’s response, and now our state and our economy are bouncing back as we get more vaccine shots in arms,” said Governor Evers. “Our doctors have played a critical role all along, and I’m grateful for their work making sure Wisconsinites know the COVID-19 vaccine is safe and effective so we can continue our economic recovery and put this pandemic behind us.”
“Our Doctors” is part of the larger “You Stop the Spread” campaign, which in recent weeks has primarily focused on COVID-19 vaccine education and the importance of becoming fully vaccinated. The Our Doctors campaign seeks to spark a conversation between Wisconsinites who may be hesitant to get vaccinated and their own family doctor.
“As health care professionals it is important that we create a safe and welcoming space to answer any questions our patients may have and help them work through any of their lingering concerns,” said Dr. Jasmine Zapata, Chief Medical Officer for Community Health. “We understand that there are valid reasons why some may still be hesitant to get the COVID-19 vaccine, but one thing you should never be hesitant about is having an open conversation with your doctor.”
“Our Doctors” began a soft roll out in late June, and residents of Wisconsin will be able to see the messaging on television, radio, and billboards as well as in local newspapers. The campaign will also utilize social media platforms such as Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.
“People have busy lives and sometimes what they need before deciding to get vaccinated is to have a conversation with their health care provider,” said Dr. Ryan Westergaard, Chief Medical Officer for the Bureau of Communicable Diseases. “As with any new vaccine or treatment, it is understandable that people have questions. But as health care professionals, we need to be patient and continue to work, and ask and answer questions, and we will continue to make progress.”
Select daycares are offering free childcare during your COVID-19 vaccine appointment and select CVS and Walgreen pharmacies are offering extended hours on Fridays. Learn about these resources at the DHS Find a Vaccine Appointment webpage.
The public is also encouraged to share their personal stories, about why they decided to get the COVID-19 vaccine to stay safe – and keep their community healthy. Everyone can help spread the word by taking a selfie and post it on social media using the hashtag #YouStoptheSpread. To find a nearby location for receiving a vaccine, the CDC website Vaccines.gov provides helpful assistance.
