Arin Parsa, founder of Teens for Vaccines, with Dr. Fauci and Second Gentleman, Mr. Douglas Emhoff on the White House Back to School Vaccination Kickoff

A segment from the White House Back To School Week of Action Kickoff held on Aug 12.2021.

As the Delta variant is raging across the country, Arin Parsa, founder of Teens for Vaccines Inc., a rapidly growing nationwide youth organization across many states in America, was invited by the White House to inspire teens to get vaccinated and reach out within their communities.

Arin raises awareness on why teens need to get vaccinated against COVID-19 and get up-to-date on their Tdap, HPV, Men-ACWY, Men-B, and Flu shots. Arin also emphasizes how teens aren't part of the conversation today in the decision to get vaccinated and not enough is being done for information to reach to teens. Arin makes an appeal to parents, school-boards, and to legislators. '

"Right now, we are working with teens around the country all fighting for one thing: to crush #COVID. But we can’t end COVID if teens aren’t part of the conversation-which is why Teens for Vaccines thanks the Second Gentleman and Dr. Fauci for creating this moment--so we can talk to teens, parents, and school boards who are watching-- on what we are seeing firsthand and what action is needed. I want to give a big shout out to all Teens for Vaccines ambassadors in CA, TN, IL, CT, MA, MO, MD, NC, and more!

We are in the trenches reaching out to teens in every possible way. Young teens like me need to get vaccinated so we can protect ourselves, our little brothers and sisters, our grandparents, and those who are immunocompromised and living in fear. Delta is raging. Our heart goes out to Caia, a healthy 13-yr-old from Arkansas caught COVID. She is fighting for her life on a ventilator and there are many more like her.

Personal stories are powerful motivators, so vaccinated teens-- go out there--talk to your friends, family, and neighbors... Right now, we all want to crush COVID, but information is not reaching all teens, also, teens aren’t part of the conversation. instead they are on TikTok exposed to Zombie videos or are seeking answers on Reddit.

We can do better, we must do better. So, at Teens for Vaccines, we share trusted sources from the CDC and immunization coalitions, organize town halls so teens get their questions answered. We share personal stories, give advice to teens on how to convince their parents, and even clarify minor consent laws. The only way to increase teen vaccinations is to involve teens. We recently consulted with a state health department to engage student organizations. Peer2peer conversations, education through schools, involving student organization are extremely powerful tools. In fact, Teens for Vaccines partnered with GENERATION UP (generationup.net), a 4000 student organization and ProtectUS (protectus.org), to mobilize students to lobby their school boards so students have access to vaccines as well as safe learning environments with masking being a top priority. We are even planning peer-to-peer events..do more community canvassing- especially in rural and underserved areas.