ABSTRACT
Disparities in vaccine coverage and uptake, particularly for minority populations, is a challenge that can threaten pandemic recovery. Per the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), vaccine equity, which supports distribution and administration of vaccines to populations and communities most in need, considering their vulnerability to COVID-19, is an important goal.
Black communities continue to be disproportionately affected by COVID-19 morbidity and mortality. Local community-based organizations (CBOs) are essential for community-development and community engagement and can be a key component in increasing vaccine uptake among the communities they serve. Blacks, Indigenous, and Persons of Color-led CBOs can be instrumental in COVID-19 vaccine education and dissemination, given their existing dedication and trust among the communities they serve.
The current project highlights a unique partnership between an academic institution, a Black-created and -led community-based organization, and a local city health department to conduct COVID-19 vaccine education and help increase vaccine uptake in a majority Black community in the Midwest.
We highlight the development of culturally grounded COVID-19 vaccine communication training, development of Black–community focused COVID-19 vaccine information, and the details of a three-way partnership designed to engage and partner with a community predominantly Black, characterized by high COVID incidence, morbidity, and mortality, to improve COVID-19 vaccine knowledge and thereby increase uptake.
