Thanks to generous funding from Texas A&M University Sponsored Research Services, TNOYS is leading a new campaign to encourage systems-involved youth and young adults (YYA) to get vaccinated and protect themselves and others from COVID-19.
As part of our multi-pronged effort, TNOYS will listen to and learn from systems-involved YYA, build partnerships with organizations working to increase vaccine uptake, and connect member organizations with funding and technical assistance to support their outreach on the ground. TNOYS will also amplify youth voices by creating materials “for youth, by youth” that will educate YYA about COVID-19 and the importance of getting vaccinated.
TNOYS has seen firsthand how the pandemic has impacted vulnerable youth, especially those who already faced instability, housing and food insecurity, and other barriers. With COVID-19 cases again rising, data show that youth ages 14- 25 have consistently lower vaccine completion than other groups. Additionally, youth and young adults who are systems-involved often lack access to the information and resources they need to stay healthy. Getting vaccinated can help YYA regain control of their lives, protect them from dire health consequences, and prevent instability from missing work, incurring health expenses, and more.
How TNOYS Members Can Get Involved
TNOYS’ statewide member network is invaluable in the effort to promote vaccine confidence. Is your organization a TNOYS member? We invite you to join us!
TNOYS has funding available for 15 member organizations to educate youth and young adults about the benefits of COVID-19 vaccines and how to get vaccinated. These partners will have access to up to $5,000 in funding for supplies, staff time, and other expenses, as well as one-on-one technical assistance and marketing toolkits.
As a project partner, your organization will have access to up to $5,000 to support vaccine outreach efforts, which could include:
- Computers, laptops, etc. for a kiosk where YYA can easily find information about COVID-19 vaccines and make an appointment to be vaccinated,
- Materials to disseminate information (such as TNOYS-provided handouts and fliers to distribute to youth),
- Staff time in which staff discuss vaccine access with YYA, connect YYA with transportation to vaccine appointments, etc.
Member organizations will be asked to collect information about the volume and demographics of YYA who received information about the COVID-19 vaccine and referrals to get the vaccine. Organizations must also be willing to host TNOYS to listen to and learn from youth, young adults, and providers about vaccine hesitancy, and educate YYA on the vaccine. If you are interested in this opportunity, please complete the application below.
TNOYS will soon share more details about this effort. If you have questions, please email us at info@tnoys.org.