County recognizes local ‘vaccine champions’
—The County of San Luis Obispo is recognizing local community members who, “champion COVID-19 vaccinations to help end the pandemic.” They are encouraging anyone age 16 and older to become a “Vaccine Champion” and help raise awareness about the COVID-19 vaccine.
“A ‘vaccine champion’ is someone who understands the benefits of the available COVID-19 vaccines and shares that information with their friends, family, and neighbors,” said County Health Officer Dr. Penny Borenstein. “A ‘vaccine champion’ is someone who educates themselves with the latest scientific evidence, who has positive personal experiences with the vaccines, and who can help answer questions from community members who want to make informed decisions.”
One such “vaccine champion” is 104- year-old Templeton resident Joyce Wright, who lived through the pandemic of 1918 and recited her poem “Inoculations” on YouTube in December of 2020.
District 1 Supervisor John Peschong says he signed up for the county’s vaccine registry as soon as he was eligible. Some local businesses are also encouraging vaccinations, like House of Bread Bakery in San Luis Obispo, which recently began rewarding fully vaccinated customers with a free loaf of bread.
Local healthcare providers, teachers, business owners, students, and other residents have also joined the movement, as well as SLO County Sheriff Ian Parkinson.
“It’s normal to have questions, and it’s normal to want more information,” said Parkinson. “That’s why we’re calling upon our community members to stay informed; help spread the word, share facts about the vaccine with your friends, family, and neighbors; and encourage vaccinations so our communities can once again enjoy the SLO life.”
“Anyone can be a ‘Vaccine Champion’ by sharing their vaccination experience on social media, offering to help a friend enter the registry, or accompanying them to their appointment,” Dr. Borenstein said.
For more information, go to www.RecoverSLO.org/VaccineChampion.
