As part of Ford's efforts to #FinishStrong in the fight against COVID-19, Ford Motor Company Fund is bringing together some of the nation's leading organizations that support and advocate for multicultural communities in a PSA to provide trusted info about the COVID vaccine.
The PSA showcases the presidents, CEOs and leaders of 11 nonprofits sharing a message of unity in an effort to help combat the spread of misinformation about the vaccine within multicultural populations.
Participating organizations include:
Arab American and Chaldean Council (ACC) – Walid Gammouh, LMSW SSW, Multicultural Services Director
Anti-Defamation League (ADL) – Jonathan Greenblatt, CEO and National Director
First Book – Kyle Zimmer, President, CEO and Co-Founder
Hispanic Federation – Frankie Miranda, President
Latin Americans for Social & Economic Development (LA SED) – Mary Carmen Muñoz, Director
League of United Latin American Citizens (LULAC) – Sindy Benavides, CEO
National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) – Derrick Johnson, President and CEO
National Urban League – Marc Morial, President and CEO
Para Los Niños Gratts Primary Center – Lorena Rodriguez, Principal
Rainbow PUSH – Rev. Jesse L. Jackson Sr., Founder and President
Service, Employment and Redevelopment (SER National) – Ignacio Salazar, President and CEO
The organizations featured in the PSA are all members of Ford Fund's Multicultural Advisory Committee. Created in late 2017, the committee serves as an advisory council to help Ford Fund and each of the participating nonprofits share insights into key issues affecting multicultural communities. The group's "think tank" style meetings foster an open dialogue and increase collaboration across organizational and cultural lines.
You can learn more about the COVID-19 resources provided by each organization by clicking on the links below.
For the latest information about the COVID-19 virus and vaccines, please refer to the Centers for Disease Control and the World Health Organization.
#VaxWithFacts
Where can I schedule my appointment for a COVID-19 vaccine?
State and local guidelines for eligibility vary. Please check with your state and county health department for the most up-to-date information. You can also learn more at https://www.nbcnews.com/specials/plan-your-vaccine.
How does a COVID-19 vaccination protect me and is it safe?
• Vaccines lower your risk of getting a disease by working with your body's immune system to recognize the virus and to respond by producing antibodies.
• The current available vaccines do not contain the live virus, therefore, you cannot get COVID-19 from the vaccine.
• Strains of the coronavirus were studied for years prior to the emergence of COVID-19. The U.S. FDA and international organizations in various countries reviewed data from the vaccine manufacturers and approved the vaccines based on the science. The vaccine that you are offered is the best vaccine for you to receive.
Do I have to get two doses of the vaccine?
Depending on the vaccine, you may be required to receive one or two doses. Your vaccination provider will advise you if you require a second dose.
How are vaccines being distributed as they become more widely available?
In most countries, the government is creating the distribution plan. In the U.S., each state is responsible for developing a plan, therefore, timelines will vary. Other countries are developing similar plans and will have varying timelines of distribution.
Are there side effects from the vaccine?
Common side effects are pain and swelling in the arm where you received the injection. You may also experience chills, fever, tiredness or a headache.
What is the cost for receiving the vaccination?
The U.S. government has committed to offer all Americans the COVID-19 vaccine at no cost at this time.
I am healthy and not in a high-risk group. Why should I get vaccinated?
Getting vaccinated will protect you as well as those around you. Some people may not be able to receive the vaccine, therefore, you can protect them as well.
Will I need the COVID-19 vaccine to go to sporting events or to travel?
It is unknown at this time.
I already had COVID-19 and have the antibodies. Do I need to get vaccinated?
Yes, getting COVID-19 may provide some natural protection or immunity from getting COVID-19 repeatedly. However, it is not clear how long this protection lasts. Because reinfection is possible, the CDC recommends that those who have already had COVID-19 should get a COVID-19 vaccine. Please consult your primary care physician for additional information.