Global vaccine equity is crucial for ending the pandemic and saving lives. 54.2% of the world is vaccinated, but only 5.8% of low income countries. This shows how much work is left to do to ensure vaccine equity. We (@sciencewithanni and @sciencewhizliz ) have teamed up to provide you with a few ways that you can take action today! It’s Giving Tuesday, after all!
1️⃣ Write to your representatives! A lot of the decision-making on policies important for vaccine accessibility worldwide feel out of reach. But taking a moment to express to your representatives that it is important to you will make a difference. We have written a petition that can be sent to your representatives using the @resistbot platform and that will be delivered to President Biden via @changedotorg .
▪️Resistbot: Text PGYUOR to 50409 to send the petition to your local congress representatives.
▪️Change.org: Sign the petition to President Biden at bit.ly/vaxequitypetition.
2️⃣ Support organizations that advocate for vaccine equity by sharing their content and, if possible, by donating money.
▪️Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance (@gavialliance) is a great example of a place to donate! Your money will go directly to programs aimed at providing COVID-19 vaccines to all, prioritizing those who need them the most.
3️⃣ Get yourself vaccinated! We know that viruses have the chance to mutate only when left to infect new hosts and replicate. Vaccines provide a line of defense that decreases the chance to replicate, which reduces the chance of mutating. Recognize that even if you feel safe, you still have a part to play in the global setting.