Calling all Cornell Scientists: put your science communication skills to work to get NY vaccinated and boosted!

Join Vaccination Conversations with Scientists (VaCS) to help our community understand the science behind the COVID-19 vaccines.

Sign up today using this form!

Join us for an orientation session on Wednesday February 7th at 6 PM, on campus at Kennedy Hall 101 or over zoom (link will be sent to you following sign up!).

Traditional public health messaging alone is insufficient to promote uptake of COVID-19 vaccines; among New York State residents, less than 12 % are completely up to date with their COVID-19 vaccinations.

We help build trust between scientists and the community by initiating compassionate conversations about vaccines with people in our local area to promote educated heath decisions.

There are several different types of outreach opportunities:

• tabling at community events
• phone-banking (virtual–held twice a week)
• door-to-door canvassing
• Information sessions

We have made over 7000 phone calls, have a network of over 100 Cornell scientists, and hosted numerous tabling and canvassing events jointly with the Tompkins County Health Department, Cayuga Medical Center, and health departments from surrounding counties.

While it might seem like an impossible task, 29% of our conversations with unvaccinated people have actually increased the self-reported likelihood of vaccination!

You do NOT need to be an expert in COVID-19! We will provide training to prepare you on the science, as well as communication strategies to deal with controversial topics.

WHAT DO WE DO?

VaCS is a collaboration between several county departments of health and Cornell Advancing Science and Policy, with funding support from the Provost’s Office. Our goal is to engage the community and answer questions about vaccine safety and COVID-19. We reach people through phone-banking (remote/hybrid) and tabling/canvassing (in-person).

WHO CAN JOIN?

We welcome scientists of any level: grad students, postdocs, advanced undergraduates, laboratory staff, and faculty! We welcome scientists at the Ithaca Campus and at Weill Cornell.

WHAT IS THE TIME COMMITMENT?

It’s up to you! We expect that you will attend at least 2 events per month, however your commitment is flexible. You can also get more involved by joining VaCS leadership to help with behind-the-scenes work, such as organizing events and managing the data.

WHAT DO I NEED TO KNOW ABOUT COVID-19?

You do NOT need to be an expert in COVID-19! Your expertise as a scientist has prepared you to understand the data and communicate it succinctly with others. We will host training sessions to prepare you on the specific details of COVID-19 and the vaccines that may come up in conversation, as well as communication strategies to deal with controversial topics.