New campaign tackles COVID vaccine hesitancy

Doctors across Canada are banding together to encourage racialized communities most at risk of COVID-19 infection to get vaccinated against the virus.

A new campaign called This is Our Shot launches today with a virtual town hall moderated by Olympian Clara Hughes and featuring doctors from various ethnic groups.

The aim is to dispel myths and answer questions about the vaccines in more than two dozen languages.

Today is the day! 🎉 Tune in tonight @ 5pm PST/8pm EST to a live town hall about #COVIDvaccines moderated by Olympic medalist @clarahughes! She'll be asking YOUR questions to top doctors across 🇨🇦 Watch live @ https://t.co/bH0UrYmqCY pic.twitter.com/XoYeWc9ne7

— South Asian Covid Task Force (@sacovidtf) April 28, 2021

Dr. Navdeep Grewal, a Vancouver emergency physician with a group providing pandemic supports to the South Asian community, says she's heard worries about the long-term safety of the vaccines.

Grewal says some in her community have also raised religious concerns about whether the vaccines are vegetarian, which they are.

Dr. Anahi Perlas, an anesthesiologist working on pandemic outreach to Toronto's Latin American community, says the group is using Spanish-language TV, radio and online media to get the message out to those who may not speak English or French.

Celebrities including actor Ryan Reynolds and Olympic hockey player Hayley Wickenheiser are also supporting the campaign, posing on social media in "This is Our Shot" T-shirts.