PASADENA, Calif.—Pasadena Public Health Department has launched an innovative COVID-19 vaccine video contest to spotlight the benefits of choosing vaccination, to counter harmful myths, and to promote an open dialogue about COVID-19 and vaccines through the sharing of experiences on social media. The 2022 #VaccinatePasadena Video Contest invites students ages 4-24 (grades TK-college) to create and submit artwork or share a short video on TikTok or Instagram with a powerful and positive COVID-19 vaccine message.
Students in different grade categories—elementary school, middle school, high school and college—will compete for monetary awards for their team and school. Awards are funded by a grant through L.A. Care Health Plan and range from $50 to $1,500.
“COVID-19 has dramatically impacted kids and young adults on a personal level. This contest gives students a creative way to share with their peers and others in the community how vaccination has changed the trajectory of this pandemic and renewed the hope and optimism they have for the future,” says Dr. Ying-Ying Goh, Pasadena Public Health Department director and health officer. “We can’t wait to see the entries and showcase the winners.”
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends everyone 5 and older get vaccinated against COVID-19, and everyone 12 and older to get boosted. In Pasadena, children and some young adults lag behind other age groups in vaccination rates. Peer-to-peer messaging can be a strong, positive influence among children and youth, and social media is a popular medium for showcasing young people’s creativity and passion for important issues.
All students ages 4-24 currently enrolled in grades TK-college in Pasadena schools (including all schools in the Pasadena Unified School District) are eligible to enter the #VaccinatePasadena Video Contest. Deadline for entries has been extended to March 15, 2022. Winners will be announced during a virtual awards ceremony in April. View complete contest details and official rules.
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