The 21st Show

Vaccinations for Rural Farmers

 
Larry Lieb, 69, feeds the cattle on his farm in Mode, Ill., on July 8. He says he feels safer having gotten the coronavirus vaccine. But he's not interested in trying to convince anyone else to get it.

Larry Lieb, 69, feeds the cattle on his farm in Mode, Ill., on July 8. He says he feels safer having gotten the coronavirus vaccine. But he's not interested in trying to convince anyone else to get it. Christine Herman/Illinois Public Media

In rural areas with lower vaccination rates, farmers are now being called on to step up as trusted community voices to have conversations one-on-one with neighbors, friends, and family about getting the shot. To learn more, we spoke with a health reporter, a farmer, and the chief policy officer for the National Rural Health Association about trends in vaccination rates and why farmers might be the ones who could give them a boost.


GUESTS:

Christine Herman
Health Reporter, Illinois Public Media and Side Effects Public Media 

Carrie Cochran-McClain
Chief Policy Officer, National Rural Health Association

Tom Arnold
Farmer of 33 years, Raises beef, pork, chicken in Elizabeth, a community in northwest Illinois

Prepared for web by Owen Henderson

Help shape our coverage on The 21st by joining our texting group and answering weekly questions. To join, text “TALK” to 217-803-0730 or sign up with your phone number below: