Sesame Street Convinces Parents to Have Their Kids Vaccinated
In the public service announcement, Elmo and his father Louie talked about being vaccinated against COVID-19.
Sesame Street released a new public service announcement video on Tuesday, June 28, as part of a campaign to convince parents to have their kids aged 5 and younger get vaccinated. In the PSA, Elmo, who is 3 and a half years old, is seen wearing a bandage on his arm after getting injected. He said there was a little pinch but that he was okay.
“I had a lot of questions about Elmo getting the COVID vaccine,” Louie said. “Was it safe? Was it the right decision? I talked to our pediatrician so I could make the right choice.”
“I learned that Elmo getting vaccinated is the best way to keep himself, our friends, neighbors, and everyone else healthy and enjoying the things they love,” Louie added.
The new PSA comes after the US Food and Drug Administration gave emergency authorization for Moderna and Pfizer/BioTech to start vaccinating kids ages 5 and below early this month.
Although vaccines are now available, many parents are still hesitant to have their children vaccinated. In fact, most of them are still in the “wait and see” stage.
Spreading the message of assurance
Aside from Elmo, Sesame Street previously released a video of Big Bird and Granny Bird as part of the campaign last December. Big Bird, age 6, got the vaccine.
These announcements are a collaboration of Sesame Street, Ad Council, COVID Collaborative, CDC, and the American Academy of Pediatrics.
In a press release, Lisa Sherman, President, and CEO of the Ad Council said: “We know there is tremendous relief that comes with the authorization of these vaccines for kids under 5. But many questions, too. It’s important that parents feel informed and confident about what the COVID-19 vaccines mean for their families. And we are proud to work with our partners, medical experts—and of course Elmo—to spread that message.”
“We’re proud to continue our efforts with the Ad Council, COVID Collaborative, CDC, and AAP to help families get connected to information. And to keep their children, neighbors, and communities safe and healthy,” Sherman added.
Aside from the PSAs, Sesame Workshops has released a microsite on its website. It features more details for kids and parents about COVID-19 and the vaccines. They have also been active in promoting the website GetVaccineAnswers.org.
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