WASHINGTON — Together, the American Hospital Association (AHA), American Medical Association (AMA), and American Nurses Association (ANA) released a public service announcement today urging the American public to get the COVID-19 vaccination when it is their turn. The PSA stresses that COVID-19 vaccines are safe, effective and help us all as we work together to defeat COVID-19. Today’s effort continues the work the three associations have done over the past year to increase public acceptance of the essential actions to curb the spread of COVID-19, which also include: wearing a mask, practicing physical distancing and washing hands frequently. The organizations have released several previous PSAs encouraging the public to adhere to these critical public health measures, which will be increasingly important as more communicable COVID-19 variants appear and spread in the U.S.
As national associations representing physicians, nurses, and hospital and health system leaders, the AHA, AMA and ANA remain committed to supporting the rigorous scientific and regulatory process, establishing safe and effective processes for administering vaccines to all who are eligible and choose to get vaccinated, and to making critical information about vaccines available as it is released. Last December, the three organizations released an open letter urging health care professionals to take COVID-19 vaccines and to share their experience with others.
- AHA, AMA, ANA COVID-19 vaccine PSA - English language
- AHA, AMA, ANA COVID-19 vaccine PSA - Spanish language
“To defeat COVID-19 and get back the moments with friends and family we all miss, we need as many shots in arms as possible. It’s imperative that all Americans consider the health of their loved ones and make the decision to take the COVID-19 vaccine when it is their turn,” said AHA President and CEO Rick Pollack. “Along with our physician and nursing colleagues, we have an important role to play, helping those who have questions get the latest information so they can make a decision understanding the full benefits of being vaccinated.”
“Vaccinations are safe, effective, prevent illness, and save lives,” said AMA President Susan R. Bailey, M.D. “At some point, likely in the next six months, your chance to get the vaccine will come up. When it’s your turn, protect yourself and your loved ones by getting vaccinated, and play a role in this monumental effort that will help us return to normal. Whether enough people get the COVID-19 vaccine decides our future and the future toll of the virus, so be ready to do your part.”
“I urge everyone to thoughtfully consider getting vaccinated when it is their turn,” said ANA President Ernest J. Grant, PhD, RN, FAAN. “If you have questions, reach out to a nurse, physician or health care professional for answers and credible information. Try to connect with someone you know and trust who has received a COVID-19 vaccine and ask them about their experience to help you make an informed decision. The mass distribution and administration of COVID-19 vaccines marks a critical turning point in this pandemic. Vaccination will help protect us from this deadly virus so we can get back to the people, the hobbies and the activities that we all cherish and miss.”
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About the American Medical Association
The American Medical Association is the physicians’ powerful ally in patient care. As the only medical association that convenes 190+ state and specialty medical societies and other critical stakeholders, the AMA represents physicians with a unified voice to all key players in health care. The AMA leverages its strength by removing the obstacles that interfere with patient care, leading the charge to prevent chronic disease and confront public health crises and, driving the future of medicine to tackle the biggest challenges in health care.
