NCDHHS launches Know Before You Go campaign for back to school

News-Topic, Lenoir, N.C.
·2 min read

Aug. 16—RALEIGH — The North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services kicked off the Know Before You Go campaign, a statewide initiative reminding North Carolinians to stay up to date on COVID-19 vaccines and boosters in time for the start of the 2022-2023 school year, fall festivities, large gatherings and end-of-year celebrations and holidays.

The campaign, launched Thursday, Aug.11, also promotes information on COVID-19 testing and treatment, and it reminds North Carolinians of their rights to both services, with or without identification and insurance.

"Know Before You Go is a reminder to communities that as we send kids back to school and head into fall activities, it's important to stay up to date on COVID-19 vaccines and boosters and have access to testing and treatment," said NCDHHS Secretary Kody H. Kinsley.

The campaign furthers the state's continued public outreach and engagement to prevent severe illness, hospitalization and death related to COVID-19 by encouraging people to get a safe, effective and free vaccine or booster.

To date, more than 185 public and independent K-12 schools across 50 counties throughout the state have signed up for the campaign. With a reach of more than 260,000 students, schools will receive flyers, posters and other items reminding students, their parents, educators, administrators and others to get all recommended COVID-19 vaccines and boosters when eligible.

In addition to North Carolina K-12 schools, more than 30 local health departments, community-based organizations and local radio and television stations have registered to participate.

Radio stations will receive a Know Before You Go flyer, anti-bacterial wipes and MySpot.nc.gov drawstring backpacks to distribute at their back-to-school supply giveaway events.

While the launch of Know Before You Go focuses on back to school and COVID-19 prevention, the campaign will help provide guidance and information about other communicable diseases.

"Whether it's COVID-19, mental health and well-being or other public health needs, every North Carolinian should have easy access to the information they need to know to protect themselves and others before they go about their daily routines," Kinsley said.

For more information about COVID-19 vaccines, boosters, testing and treatment, visit MySpot.nc.gov or call the state's COVID-19 Vaccine Help Center at (888) 675-4567.