Health department launches Jr Heroes COVID-19 Vax Challenge

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By Chandler Griffin
San Juan Basin Public Health

San Juan Basin Public Health (SJBPH) is pleased to announce the Jr Heroes COVID-19 Vax Challenge. 

This challenge invites local youth to use their unique perspective and an artistic medium of their choosing to engage in peer-to-peer communication. This project aims to share scientific, trustworthy information about COVID-19 and the COVID-19 vaccines, address misinformation and encourage dialogue.

Youth ages 12-17 who reside in Archuleta and La Plata counties are eligible to participate in the Jr Heroes COVID-19 Vax Challenge. Participants can work individually or as part of a team. Participants will receive a $100 gift card for completing an eligible project. Teams of three or more will receive a maximum of $300 total in incentives. 

Examples of projects include but are not limited to: 

• A music video or song with lyrics in support of protecting the community, family members and the vulnerable through vaccination for COVID-19. 

• An infographic or poster depicting factual information about vaccine development and safety. 

• A video sharing personal experiences with COVID-19 and the COVID-19 vaccine. 

The challenge period began on Dec. 28 and will wrap up with exhibitions later in the winter of 2022. Participants will start by identifying a parent or guardian representative and filling out a brief proposal for their project. Proposals will be accepted through Jan. 19, 2022, or until a maximum number of proposals are accepted. Therefore, participants are encouraged to submit their proposal early.

Final projects will be due via electronic submission by Feb. 4, 2022. Final projects will be shared online through the contestant’s social media accounts as well as exhibitions in both counties.

This project is being sponsored by a generous Together We Protect Grant offered by the Caring for Colorado Foundation.

For more information, visit SJBPH’s website at sjbpublichealth.org/jrheroeschallenge/. For questions about the Jr Heroes COVID-19 Vax Challenge, please contact covid-19vaccines@sjbpublichealth.org.

As a reminder, youth ages 5 through 17 are only eligible for the Pfizer vaccine. Booster doses of the Pfizer vaccine are now available for 16- and 17-year-olds who are six months past completing their initial vaccine series. It is important that residents verify the Pfizer vaccine is being offered when signing up minors for COVID-19 vaccine appointments or walking into a clinic. Parents and guardians are required to provide consent for minors to be vaccinated. The vaccine is free, and no ID is required. 

Families have options and are encouraged to either sign up for a community vaccination clinic, contact their pediatrician or reach out to their preferred vaccine provider. Clinic and provider information is available on the SJBPH website: https://sjbpublichealth.org/covid-19-vaccine/.