This fall, we face new challenges as COVID-19 overlaps with the flu season and continues to spread across the United States and the world. We must stay vigilant about protecting ourselves, our friends and families, and others around us. At the same time, people are experiencing pandemic fatigue and need new reasons and reinforcements to keep up protective behaviors.

As experts in social marketing and behavior change communication, particularly on immunization and communicable and chronic diseases, we know that public health efforts must evolve to include reinforcement messaging and strategies for those who are following recommended guidance. We must also reach those who are not practicing protective behaviors and encourage them to start without shaming or embarrassing them.

Here are five ways public health communicators can keep COVID-19 messages relevant this fall.

  1. Regularly reinforce how people can protect themselves from COVID-19, as well as other viruses and germs.
  2. Counter misinformation with accurate, easy-to-understand information delivered through trusted sources and channels.
  3. Acknowledge and address structural inequalities that make it difficult for some to protect themselves from COVID-19.
  4. Make it as easy as possible for people to change their behavior without having to change their minds.
  5. Before a COVID-19 vaccine is approved and released for general public use, begin communicating about how it will help control the pandemic.

While pandemic fatigue becomes an increasing concern, there are opportunities for those working in health communication and public health to improve and expand COVID-19 messaging. The communication considerations listed above can help messaging stay relevant and resonant as the pandemic environment and our options for protection continue to evolve.

Read the full article about COVID-19 messaging by Eric Podberesky at degrees.