Pasadena Public Health Department Launches Vaccine Video Contest

The Pasadena Public Health Department has launched an innovative COVID-19 Vaccine Video Contest to spotlight the benefits of choosing vaccination, to counter harmful myths, and to promote an open dialogue about COVID-19 and vaccines through the sharing of experiences on social media platforms.

The 2022 #VaccinatePasadena Video Contest invites students ages 4-24 (grades TK-12 and college) to create and submit artwork or share a short video on TikTok or Instagram with a powerful and positive COVID-19 vaccine message.

Students in different grade categories—elementary school, middle school, high school and college—will compete for monetary awards for their team and school. Awards are funded by a grant through L.A. Care Health Plan and range from $50 to $1,500.

“COVID-19 has dramatically impacted kids and young adults on a personal level. This contest gives students a creative way to share with their peers and others in the community how vaccination has changed the trajectory of this pandemic and renewed the hope and optimism they have for the future,” said  Dr. Ying-Ying Goh, Pasadena Public Health Department Director and Health Officer.  “We can’t wait to see the entries and showcase the winners.”

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends everyone ages 5 years and older to be vaccinated against COVID-19, and everyone 12 years and older to be boosted. In Pasadena, children and some young adults lag behind other age groups in vaccination rates https://www.cityofpasadena.net/public-health/covid-19-dashboard/#vaccinations>. Peer-to-peer messaging can be a strong positive influence among children and youth, and social media is a popular medium to showcase young people’s creativity and passion for important issues.

All students ages 4-24 currently enrolled in grades TK-college in Pasadena schools (including all schools in the PUSD school district) are eligible to enter the #VaccinatePasadena Video Contest at:

https://www.cityofpasadena.net/public-health/2022-vaccinatepasadena-video-contest.

Winners will be announced during a virtual awards ceremony in March. Deadline for entries is Feb. 17. Complete contest details and official rules are available at https://cityofpasadena.net/vaccinatepasadena.