A thank you note to North Dakota:

School is in full swing, and our children are excited to see their friends again. Events are back on, church pews are filled, and restaurants are open. After months of caution and uncertainty, our communities are bustling with activity. Our sense of relief is evident in the smiles on our faces when we see our friends and neighbors at the local store. COVID-19 no longer governs our every waking moment, a far cry from two years ago. 

But let's remember that we can enjoy being together again because North Dakotans are more protected from COVID-19 than before. Vaccination has prevented hundreds of severe cases and deaths from COVID in North Dakota alone. Although not every serious case could be averted, our vaccines have helped keep our communities healthy and our hospital systems stable. As we enjoy our increased freedom, let's not forget to keep up with our vaccinations.

North Dakotans' COVID vaccinations have helped pastors like Dawn Busch in Belfield, ND, serve their congregations and communities. They have helped neighbors and friends connect again with those vulnerable to disease and ensured healthcare workers in our state can adequately care for the sick. 

Our COVID vaccines are not perfect - no vaccine is - but they give us something extra to be thankful for this season. 

Vaccination is one of the best ways you can spread love in our community. If you haven't been vaccinated against COVID, please consider it to help keep yourself and our community safe. If you're eligible for a booster, please consider scheduling one to maintain maximum protection. 

Information is provided here to help you determine if you're up-to-date or if COVID vaccination is the right choice for you. You can also find resources to help you set up an appointment. 

Thank you for vaccinating, North Dakota.