Public relations, according to the PRSSA website, is a strategic communication process that builds mutually beneficial relationships between organizations and their publics. Realizing the age difference could potentially cause problems between the public, The White House tried to bridge the gap between 78-year-old President Joe Biden, and teenagers eligible for the vaccine by using popular influencers around that age.
With the COVID-19 vaccine making its debut in December 2020, the Biden Administration has used popular influencers as a way to encourage people to get vaccinated. Influencers assist in this pr tactic to inspire teens of their age that are on the fence to get vaccinated.
According to Teen Vogue, Olivia Rodrigo joined White House Press Secretary Jen Pskai for some brief remarks in the press briefing on July 14. “First, I want to say I am beyond honored and humbled to be here today to help spread the message about the importance of youth vaccination,” Rodrigo said. “I’m in awe of the work Biden and Dr. Anthony Fauci have done and was happy to help lend my support to this important initiative.” The young star went on to talk about the importance of having conversations with friends and family about the vaccine, and how easy it is to find a vaccination site. Ryan Chatelain of Spectrum News 1 noted that Rodrigo interviewed Fauci before posing for photos and taking a tour of the West Wing.
According to Chatelain's article, Psaki said the goal of this PR tactic is to ease the public’s hesitancy about the vaccine through, in her words, “trusted voices.” Choosing celebrities that use their platform to talk politics can help influence others..
“Olivia Rodrigo is stopping by the White House today with a clear message to young people: get vaccinated. It’s the best way to keep yourself and your loved ones safe from the dangerous new COVID-19 variants. Head to http://vaccines.gov to find a clinic near you,” said Biden via Twitter. Rodrigo set an example to all influencers and artists to use their platform for what they believe is right.
Sydney Rusche is a junior from Lapel, majoring in public relations. Sydney is an associate with Fifth Street Communications®, a student-run public relations agency at Anderson University.
Anderson University is on a mission to educate students for lives of faith and service, offering more than 60 undergraduate majors, 30 three-year degrees, 20 NCAA Division III intercollegiate sports, alongside adult and graduate programs. The private, liberal arts institution is fully accredited and recognized among top colleges for its business, computer science, cybersecurity, dance, engineering, nursing, and teacher education programs. Anderson University was established in 1917 in Anderson, Indiana, by the Church of God.