Hispanics or Latinos have been one of the populations most affected by hospitalizations and deaths due to Covid-19, so a new wave of infections has caused an alert to encourage vaccination.
According to reports from the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), in the last week, the United States registered a 14.3% increase in hospitalizations due to Covid-19 infections, in addition to a 10 percent increase in deaths.
Hispanics are about 1.5 times more likely to be infected with COVID-19 compared to whites, according to data analysis from KFF (on health and resources for journalists).
Given these alerts, UnidosUS, in partnership with the CDC, urges Latinos to get vaccinated against Covid-19, due to virus mutations.
The organization launched the “Y La Vacuna?” campaign to make Latinos aware of the importance of immunization.
“This specific focus is because Latinos receive vaccinations and boosters at a much lower rate, which hampers efforts to help prevent and fight disease,” the organization says. “Latinos are 1.8 times more likely to be hospitalized and 1.7 times more likely to die from Covid-19.”
Regarding influenza, UnidoUS points out that Latinos have had higher rates of serious consequences, which is why immunization is also suggested.
This effort to increase vaccination among the Latino population is not new, as the “Esperanza Hope for All” campaign has been running for more than two years.
“During the first two years of the UnidosUS Esperanza Hope for All program, our CDC-funded UnidosUS affiliates administered more than 578,000 Covid-19 vaccines and 66,000 influenza vaccines,” said Rita Carreón, Vice President of Health for UnidosUS. .
The focus is on young populations through a marketing mobilization in communities, content producers on social networks and the official campaign on said platforms.
“We look forward to bringing Latino young adults together to improve the health of their community through their influence and actions by providing information in the language and culture that is easy to understand through a variety of efforts targeted and in partnership with our community” added Carreon.
The Eris variant of Covid-19 has increased infections in the US and much of the world.
Last week, the New York Department of Health reported a 55% increase in Covid-19 cases, with an average of 824 reported infections per day by the end of July; while hospital admissions for the disease increased 22%.
Where to find the vaccine
To find Covid-19 vaccination sites:
– Visited www.vaccines.gov
– Call 1-800-232-0233
– Text your zip code to 438829
