Ethnically Diverse Influencers Are Bridging the Gap Between the COVID-19 Vaccine and Minorities

By: Zach Weisleder

Instead of dancing to their favorite songs or creating skits merely for clicks, Generation Z’s most influential minority influencers are using their platform to educate minority communities about the COVID-19 vaccine and its importance.

A public advertising campaign that was unveiled last week is aiming to finally convince Americans to get vaccinated. Their slogan “It’s Up to You”, is targeted at those who don’t think they need to get the vaccine.

Over the last year, we’ve seen plenty of advertisements reminding us about the need to wear a mask in order to return to the pre-pandemic normal. This new campaign spearheaded by the Ad Council will have more than $500 million in talent and media donations. Its mission is simple: To notify those who are eligible for vaccines and to explain to them its importance.

The advertisements are primarily targeted towards more than 40 percent of American’s who are on the fence about getting vaccinated according to Lisa Sherman, the CEO of Ad Council.

After the United States’ grim passing of 500,000 deaths from the Coronavirus, popular TikTok influencers launched a “See Friends Again” campaign that highlights the need for that uncomfortable yet necessary conversation.

The final few months of 2020 saw a demographic consisting of 18-24-year-olds with notable online presences shape the presidential election. An ABC News study showed that more than 60% of Gen Zers voted for Joe Biden. More than 60% of TikTok’s users are Gen Zers.

Nearly fifty percent of the Black community and over fifty percent of the Latinx community know someone who has been hospitalized or has died from complications from COVID-19 according to COVID Collaborative.

While many people are refusing to be vaccinated, others are finding loopholes in order to receive vaccinations early. Meanwhile, multiple Black and Latinx communities are being vaccinated at concerningly low rates.

An Associated Press study revealed that 1 in 3 Americans have said they won’t take the vaccine. Many scientists believe that in order to contain the epidemic, more than 2 in 3 of those Americans must get vaccinated.

This campaign was timely and will hopefully strike a chord with those who are on the fence about taking the vaccine.