Faith leaders can help encourage vaccination by creating a supportive environment that makes it easier for their community members to get vaccinated, and by providing information from trusted sources. See the following resources for more information:
COVID-19 is a viral infection that mainly affects the lungs, but it can also cause damage to other organs. Some people can get very sick with COVID-19 and may require hospitalization or get long-lasting symptoms including feeling tired, trouble breathing, trouble concentrating or muscle aches. Learn more about COVID-19 and how it spreads.
As we learn to live with COVID-19, it is still important to reduce virus spread as much as possible.
Staying up-to-date with vaccination, including any booster dose(s) when eligible, lowers the risk of getting, spreading and becoming seriously sick with COVID-19. It also helps protect people who are elderly, have weak immune systems and those that cannot be vaccinated. Vaccination can also help increase the comfort level of congregation members that participate in in-person activities.
Trusted community leaders who share accurate information can make a difference in promoting COVID-19 vaccines. Encourage your congregation members, workers and volunteers to get vaccinated, including any booster dose(s), with a few simple steps:
1. Develop a workplace vaccination policy
2. Lead by example
3. Build trust
4. Promote the benefits of vaccination
5. Share accurate information
6. Reduce barriers
7. Engage tenants (if applicable)
You can find general guidance to reduce the spread of COVID-19 and respiratory viruses in your place of worship at: COVID-19 Guidance: Employers, Businesses & Organizations