The Jacksonville Civic Council and seven area health systems are launching a campaign to encourage more Jacksonville residents to get the COVID-19 vaccine as hospitalization rates because of the virus are on the rise.
With 50% of Jacksonville residents vaccinated, the city lags behind the 56% U.S. and 60% Florida rates, the group said in a news release July 28.
The “Get the Facts Jax” campaign includes broadcast announcements and getthefactsjax.org website about the COVID-19 vaccine. The website includes links to Centers for Disease Control websites about vaccine safety, myths and locations, along with guidelines for masking and COVID-19 data.
In addition to the Civic Council and its more than 75 members, the initiative is sponsored by Florida Blue, Flagler Health+, UF Health, Memorial Hospital, Ascension St. Vincent’s, Brooks Rehabilitation and Baptist Health.
Baptist Health reported June 27 it had 418 COVID-19 patients in its hospitals.
“The current surge is alarming,” Jeanne Miller, president of the Jacksonville Civic Council, said in the release.
“Our organization has expedited the campaign and our partners have increased funding for it because the health and future of our community are both on the line.”
The release says the campaign aims to “provide answers – the answer to our economy, to jobs and a vibrant workforce and to bring back tourism.”
Former Jacksonville Mayor John Delaney, chairman of the Civic Council executive committee, said in the release that healthy communities help drive business growth and can draw more to the city.
U.S. News & World Report ranked Jacksonville the 22nd most desirable place to live in the country, the release said.
“Increased awareness about our great city along with the increased resources that come with population growth represent a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for this city,” Delaney said in the release.
“Jacksonville cannot and will not capitalize on this opportunity without higher COVID-19 vaccination rates.”
The release said Get the Facts Jax is the first local vaccination awareness campaign. The Dalton Agency created the campaign.
“The science is clear – vaccines work,” Delaney said.
“Vaccinations keep our friends and families safe while keeping businesses open and giving us the freedom to enjoy our desirable lifestyle in Jacksonville.”