State recruits social media to save lives from COVID

With the new, more easily spread Delta variant of the COVID-19 virus becoming dominant, continuing vaccinations is even more important.

Just how important is illustrated by an Associated Press study, using federal figures from May.

The upshot: Nearly all COVID-19 deaths in the U.S., now below 300, are now in people who weren’t vaccinated. It could be practically zero if everyone got the vaccine.

“Breakthrough” infections in fully vaccinated people account for fewer than 1,200 of more than 107,000 COVID-19 hospitalizations, or about 1.1%.

And, only about 150 of the more than 18,000 COVID-19 deaths in May were in fully vaccinated people, or about 0.8% or five deaths per day on average.

In Nebraska, officials are turning the tables on social media, so effective in distributing misinformation, as well as peer pressure to encourage more of us to get a shot.

As the state’s “state of emergency” ends and we attempt to return to normal activities, the Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services has unveiled the “Share Your Shot” platform, an interactive and informative map where Nebraskans throughout the state can share their experiences about receiving the COVID-19 vaccine.

With nearly 2 million shots being administered and 54% of Nebraskans 16 and over, and 79% of Nebraskans 65 and over fully vaccinated, the state has officially turned the corner in its fight against COVID-19, according to the DHHS.

“With the help of vaccines, people are reengaging and reconnecting with activities that were disrupted in the past year due to the pandemic, whether that is church, recreation, or volunteerism.”

Studies have shown that re-engaging and talking to a friend, neighbor, or relative who has received the vaccine drastically improves the chances of a non-vaccinated person to receive the vaccine themselves.

Share your Shot’s interactive map will allow people who are seeking more information about the vaccine to review pictures and stories from friends, families, and neighbors who live nearby to learn about their safe vaccination experience.

Gov. Pete Ricketts recently shared his vaccination experience on the website. “I waited my turn to see how the system worked. It worked great. I gotta tell you, it really feels good to be able to get the vaccine. It really does take a weight off,” Ricketts said.

DHHS CEO Dannette R Smith also shared her story: “The vaccine process was smooth, fast, and reliable,” said Smith in her post. “There were some side effects after the second Moderna dose, but it was worth it to be vaccinated and help us #finishstrong.”

Every Nebraskan who has been vaccinated is encouraged to share their shot and ask others to do the same at shareyourshot.ne.gov. Directions and privacy information are included on the website.