Governor Hochul Announces #GetTheVaxFacts Campaign to Combat COVID-19 Vaccine Misinformation – NY.gov

U.S. Surgeon General Dr. Vivek Murthy, who released a Health Misinformation Advisory earlier this year said, “Health misinformation is an urgent threat to public health, especially as we begin outreach out to parents of children who may soon be eligible to get the COVID-19 vaccine. We all have a role to limit the spread of health misinformation, and I’m grateful that Governor Hochul and the state of New York are proactively working to combat vaccine misinformation. It’s this kind of bold action that we need to ensure we all have accurate, science-based information to protect ourselves and our loved ones.”

Chief Technology Officer and Deputy Chief Information Officer of New York State, Rajiv Rao said, “Mis and disinformation surrounding the COVID-19 vaccine continues to spread online, presenting in forms that are difficult to detect, rapidly amplified, and can result in negative public health consequences. Governor Hochul’s#GetTheVaxFacts program will help combat misinformation at its core, providing new mediums and messages so New Yorkers can have access to accurate information and can join in sharing the facts. I encourage all New Yorkers to take the time make healthy decisions about the information we see and share on social media.”

Dr. Wendy Wilcox, Chief Women’s Health Services Officer for New York City Health + Hospitals, said, “As an obstetrician-gynecologist I am extremely disturbed by the rampant misinformation online regarding the COVID-19 vaccine, especially surrounding fertility and pregnancy. The vaccine is safe and effective. We urge all pregnant people to get vaccinated. COVID-19 puts pregnant people at increased risk of severe complications, such as having a premature birth or being admitted to an intensive care unit (ICU). We also remind everyone that the vaccine does not impact fertility. These are myths that are important to combat with facts, and we call on all New Yorkers to #GetTheVaxFacts.”

Jennifer Jones Austin, CEO & Executive Director of FPWA, said, “We applaud Governor Hochul’s #GetTheVaxFacts program to debunk the rampant dissemination of misinformation throughout our state.  We believe it is critically important for New Yorkers have accurate and scientific information to make good decisions for themselves about their health, especially as we work in and with community to advance health and well-being. We thank Governor Hochul for her continued vigilance on these issues and providing necessary resources to our communities.”

Frankie Miranda, President and CEO of Hispanic Federation said, “The #GetTheVaxFacts campaign comes at a time where many questions are emerging regarding newly eligible ages and booster shots. The vaccine is the best tool we have in our fight against COVID-19 and it is vital that all New Yorkers be presented with linguistically competent, true, reliable information regarding this life-saving tool.  We applaud Governor Hochul’s leadership in creating and launching the #GetTheVaxFacts campaign to ensure that New Yorkers are able to make the healthiest, informed choices for themselves and their families.”

Jo-Ann Yoo, Executive Director of Asian American Federation said, “Governor Hochul is taking the reins on combatting misinformation in New York State and for that we are thankful. It is crucial that members of our community protect themselves from harm by basing their decisions on facts and proven science, especially as we continue to forge through a global pandemic. We support this initiative and look forward to sharing these in-language resources.”

Murad Awawdeh, Executive Director of New York Immigration Coalition said,”New Yorkers have proven themselves strong and resilient throughout our fight with COVID-19. Now it’s time to ensure that every New Yorker has access to accurate and verifiable information to ensure the health and well-being of their families and communities, into the future. This campaign allows people to easily find the factual information they need to debunk myths and keep their families safe from vaccine misinformation. We applaud Governor Hochul for taking this step on behalf of the State of New York.”

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