CDPH Partners with Celebrities to Promote COVID-19 Vaccines Among Black, Latino Californians

The California Department of Public Health (CDPH) recently partnered with well-known celebrities, influencers, and trusted messengers in promoting COVID-19 vaccines and boosters among populations disproportionately impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic.

In promoting COVID-19 vaccines among Latino populations in California, CDPH has partnered with celebrated cartoonist Lalo Alcaraz. The Los Angeles-based artist is most known for his contributions as a cultural consultant for “The Casagrandes” on Nickelodeon and the 2017 Pixar movie, “Coco.” He is also the creator of the nationally syndicated comic strip, “La Cucaracha.”

During the COVID-19 pandemic, Alcaraz has used his talents to reach the Latino community by blending humor and culturally relevant themes to deliver facts about COVID-19 and vaccines. As the principal artist for CovidLatino, his art helps address pervasive vaccine hesitancy and misinformation among California’s Latino communities.

In promoting vaccination among Black and African American Californians, CDPH has partnered with actor and producer Jaleel White and former NFL player and host of “The Talk” and “American Ninja Warrior” Akbar Gbajabiamila. These celebrities are sharing their COVID-19 vaccine experiences through candid conversations to help reduce hesitancy in Black and African American communities throughout the state.

The four-part conversation details their vaccination journeys, including their experiences with mild side effects, getting a booster, and why getting the facts is important for someone to make their decisions on getting vaccinated. In addition to the four-part series, the partnership includes a comedic skit written by White that supports the Vaccinate All 58 campaign and addresses concerns surrounding vaccinations and booster shots.

CDPH’s partnerships are part of a comprehensive effort to reach California’s most vulnerable communities with resources and messaging to achieve higher COVID-19 vaccination rates and reduce COVID-19 hospitalization and death. All videos will be shared on various digital and social media platforms, including CDPH’s Twitter account.