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NPPC launches “you’re essential, so it’s essential” COVID vaccination campaign

The National Pork Producers Council has launched a campaign encouraging the more than 500,000 people who work in the pork industry to get the COVID-19 vaccine.

NPPC CEO Neil Dierks says he hopes the “you’re essential, so it’s essential” message resonates with farmers, veterinarians, livestock haulers, processing employees, and other workers along the pork supply chain.

“NPPC is supportive of us all getting vaccinations. That’s why we put the campaign together to build awareness not only with the individuals to get the vaccine, but also those businesses in our industry to make resources available to them to help answer questions.”

He tells Brownfield while it’s difficult to gauge how many workers are open to getting vaccinated, the biological nature of the pork industry highlights the important role vaccines play in animal health.

“Of course, we’re animals too. And thus, it could play an important role going forward.”

Dierks says even though instances of COVID cases among packing plant workers are down five-fold since last spring, the pork sector must remain vigilant.