Health Department Launches Expanded Booster Campaign Amid Rising Variant Concerns
[CITY, STATE] – October 26, 2023 – The [City/County] Health Department today announced an expanded campaign to administer updated 2023-2024 COVID-19 booster vaccinations, citing increasing circulation of new variants and declining immunity levels within the population. The initiative aims to bolster community protection ahead of the anticipated winter surge in respiratory illnesses.
Health officials emphasize the importance of updated boosters, formulated to target currently circulating strains, for all eligible residents aged six months and older.”While we’ve made meaningful progress in managing COVID-19, the virus continues to evolve,” stated Dr. [Name],Director of the [City/County] Health Department. “These updated boosters are crucial for maintaining strong immunity and reducing the risk of severe illness, hospitalization, and death, notably for vulnerable populations.” The department reports a [Percentage]% increase in positive COVID-19 cases over the past [Number] weeks, prompting the proactive booster push.
The expanded campaign includes increased vaccination clinic hours at existing health department locations, and also partnerships with local pharmacies and community organizations to offer vaccinations at convenient locations throughout the county.Appointments can be scheduled online at [Website Address] or by calling [Phone Number]. Walk-ins are also welcome at select locations. The health department is also actively working to address vaccine hesitancy through targeted outreach and educational materials,emphasizing the safety and efficacy of the updated boosters. Funding for the campaign is provided by [Funding Source – e.g., federal grants, county budget]. The department anticipates administering at least [Number] booster doses by the end of [Month, Year].