Send a postcard to Dr. Califf and Dr. Marks at the FDA demanding their action on COVID vaccines for kids under 5.
Gather Supplies
Blank Postcards: you can purchase them online (amazon: option 1, option 2; target; etsy; stamped postcards from USPS) or make your own from cardstock – the only constraint is that postcards are no more than 4-1/4” high x 6” long x 0.016” thick (see here).
Postcard Stamps: can be purchased at the post office or ordered online (should ship in 5-7 days); you can also use regular stamps if you already have them around (slightly more expensive but will work just the same).
Sample Postcards
2. Write Your Message
You may customize your message depending on space available. Just make sure any data/numbers cited are accurate!
You can also personalize your message by sharing anything about your family/children, professional credentials, and/or reason for joining this campaign
DO NOT include any identifying information!
Only sign your (and/or your child’s) first name or initials
Do not include your address, email, or phone number on your postcard.
Depending on your field (e.g., healthcare professional), you may choose to include your title or credentials.
Sample Messages
Our kids under 5 need COVID vaccines now! The FDA is failing kids and must prioritize children’s health. No more delays!
The FDA is losing parents’ trust. We need transparency and urgency around COVID vaccine trial data and review now!
More than 32,000 children under five have been hospitalized for COVID in the U.S. (CDC, February 5, 2022). Our children’s future needs to be protected! The FDA must prioritize vaccines for kids under 5!
434 children under five have died from COVID in the U.S (CDC, February 2022). Our children’s future needs to be protected! The FDA must prioritize vaccines for kids under 5!
Two years into the COVID-19 pandemic, our youngest citizens are still unprotected. Families have to choose between isolation or infection. We need COVID vaccines for children under five now!
We have the science. We have the data. All we need is for the FDA to prioritize our youngest citizens and cut the red tape – protect all children now!
3. Decorate your Postcards
Decorate however you (or your children) would like! Just keep in mind that the card must be flat (e.g., puffy stickers won’t work).
Suggestion: make the postcards’ key messages pop by using highlighters, underlines, stars, drawings…
Keep in mind that the post office needs some white space on the bottom, so please leave approximately 1/3 inch at the bottom of the card.
4. Share on Twitter
This is very important because we cannot guarantee that all postcards will reach Drs. Califf or Marks (they might be triaged by staff, delivery might be delayed because of remote work, etc). If you’re on Twitter, please do not skip this step!
Take a Photo of the Postcard(s) (can be a photo of the card itself; a photo of your child(ren) decorating the card; whatever you feel comfortable sharing!)
Post to Twitter with a short description (e.g., “The FDA isn’t prioritizing COVID vaccines for kids under 5, so we are artistically letting them know that we demand action”).
Add the Following Hashtags: #ProtectionOverPolitics #VaxU5 #OffLabelU5s #ProtectTheirFuture #ImmunizeUnder5s
Tag: @US_FDA @DrCaliff_FDA @SecBecerra @FDACBER
OPTIONAL: To reduce the odds of trolling comments / bot accounts interacting with your tweet, you can limit replies by tapping the icon next to the words "Everyone can reply." Select from the list and send your tweet.
5. Address and Mail Your Postcards
If you’re not able to write more than one postcard, please prioritize Dr. Califf. Postcards should be mailed as soon as possible – aim to have them mailed between February 25th and March 4th.
Dr. Robert Califf
Food and Drug Administration
10903 New Hampshire Ave
Silver Spring, MD 20993-0002
Dr. Peter Marks
Food and Drug Administration
10903 New Hampshire Ave
Silver Spring, MD 20993-0002