The University of Windsor launched a vaccination campaign Monday to encourage students not only to get into the ring and “Knock Out COVID,” but to carry the message to others in the under-25 population around Windsor-Essex County.

The KO COVID effort will team the University with the University of Windsor Students’ Alliance to help students and other young people in the community get the facts and support they need to overcome vaccine hesitancy and access vaccination in the community.

The University will work with WE-Spark Health Institute and UWindsor researchers to provide expertise, while student mentors will guide, engage, and empower students to protect their health and the health of others in the community.

“We’re finally getting closer to the finish line in terms of vaccination, but there is still some work to do and we need that final push with people under 25,” said Lisa Porter, a biomedical researcher at the University of Windsor and executive director of the WE-Spark Health Institute.

”Even though most younger people are in good health, they are still at risk of contracting COVID-19, and have an important role to play in stopping its spread and reducing the impact the disease has on family, friends, and vulnerable people in the community.”

University of Windsor Students’ Alliance president Jasleen Dayal says students are in a great position to share what they learn about vaccination with their friends, family, and others in community.

“We want our students to lead the charge and be community advocates for vaccination,” she said.

The UWindsor.ca/takeajab website will not only provide students with opportunities to have vaccination questions answered by experts, but students will be encouraged to share their own vaccination experiences, concerns, stories, and photos through social media for a chance to win a series of prizes valued at more than $15,000.

“This is a true peer-to-peer initiative and one that will address the reasons why young people may be hesitant to get themselves vaccinated,” Dr. Porter said.

“We’re very optimistic that the campaign will make a real difference for young people in addressing concerns in a supportive and fun way.”