The Ad Council and COVID Collaborative today unveiled new public service advertisements (PSAs) with CVS Health, Walgreens and Walmart to help educate people throughout the nation about the COVID-19 vaccines. Developed with expertise from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the National Institutes of Health (NIH), as part of the groundbreaking “It’s Up To You” COVID-19 Vaccine Education Initiative, the new content features pharmacists addressing common questions about COVID-19 vaccination. CVS Health, Walgreens and Walmart are founding partners of the Ad Council and COVID Collaborative’s COVID-19 Vaccine Education Initiative.

Recent Ad Council research revealed that across demographic groups, Americans find “my pharmacist” to be one of the most trusted messengers on COVID-19 vaccines. The new informational videos, created pro bono by Group SJR, feature pharmacists from CVS Health, Walgreens and Walmart addressing questions about COVID-19 vaccination, including: why should I get vaccinated? Who has to verify that the vaccines are safe and can prevent COVID-19? After receiving a COVID-19 vaccine, can individuals return to normal social activities?

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“As people across the country seek answers to their questions about the COVID-19 vaccines, we know local pharmacists are among the most trusted resources for the latest information,” said Lisa Sherman, President and CEO of the Ad Council. “This extraordinary coalition of companies – CVS Health, Walgreens and Walmart – plays a critical role in getting Americans the information they need about COVID-19 vaccination so they can make the right choice for themselves and their families.”

The content serves a dual-purpose – educating consumers directly, while also serving as a resource to help pharmacists nationwide prepare to answer questions from their own patients. The videos will be distributed via targeted donated media placements to reach pharmacists.

The videos of pharmacists speaking directly to a consumer audience can be found here and here. Content featuring pharmacists addressing their fellow pharmacists, alongside Dr. Anthony Fauci, physicians and nurses, can be found here and here.

“Our pharmacists are a local and trusted resource in the communities in which we serve,” said Michelle Peluso, Chief Customer Officer, CVS Health. “We’re amplifying their voices to provide accurate information, answer questions and reduce hesitancy as we continue to administer vaccines in a safe, convenient, and inclusive manner.”

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“As familiar faces and trusted health resources in the communities we serve, Walgreens pharmacists are powerful voices in helping everyone overcome vaccine hesitancy,” said Patrick McLean, Chief Marketing Officer, Walgreens. “Together with Ad Council and other pharmacy partners, we can make a meaningful difference in helping consumers access credible information about COVID-19 vaccines so they can make an informed decision that’s right for them.”

“Our qualified pharmacists are partners in our customers’ healthcare journeys, providing quality care that supports our mission of helping people save money and live better – and healthier – lives,” said Cheryl Pegus, Executive Vice President, Walmart Health & Wellness. “This has never been more true than during COVID-19 where our pharmacists are trusted advisors and counselors, especially when it comes to the vaccines.”