In these difficult days, we are so heartened to receive such uplifting reports on the unrelenting efforts of our Rotary members who have responded in their communities against the COVID-19 pandemic. Today, the single question we hear time and again is, “Are we getting involved with COVID vaccination?” The answer is, "Yes."
We will not deviate from our commitment to eradicating polio, which remains our highest priority and continues to be our only corporate program. Polio vaccinations must continue unabated, as must our effort to raise $50 million per year for this effort.
But now, COVID-19 vaccines are becoming available around the world, and our members have an important role to play. As a result, we ask you to encourage your club to: 
But now, COVID-19 vaccines are becoming available around the world, and our members have an important role to play. As a result, we ask you to encourage your club to:- Use Rotary’s knowledge of vaccine safety and efficacy, based on our polio-eradication experience, to support vaccination efforts in your communities. This will need to be tailored to local contexts, to address unique cultural and regional needs.
- As vaccine distribution begins in your country, partner with local organizations and/or health authorities, to offer your club’s support with vaccination efforts, as required.
- Help combat the powerful, growing force of vaccine resistance and misinformation. Advocacy in our communities is critical — we need to spread the message about the power of vaccines, to protect lives.
- Stop the spread of COVID-19 by continuing to engage in projects supporting mask-wearing, distancing, proper hygiene practices, and donations of personal protective equipment — before and after vaccination.
Please take a moment to view our three-minute video message, and share it your networks.
As your club gets involved with local vaccination and/or COVID-19 prevention efforts, please add your project on Rotary Showcase by either clicking here on the image, right. First, login to My Rotary, and then navigate to Rotary Showcase. (Please note: MyRotary and Rotary Showcase are only available to Rotarians.)
We look forward to learning how your club is working to support vaccination efforts in order to end the COVID-19 pandemic. Thank you.
We look forward to learning how your club is working to support vaccination efforts in order to end the COVID-19 pandemic. Thank you.
Holger Knaack (above, left) is president of Rotary International, and K.R. Ravindran (above, right) is chair of The Rotary Foundation.
For comments, questions or technical issues, contact us at rotaryd7910@gmail.com.