This month, EverThrive IL released our Recommendations for Increasing COVID-19 Vaccination Rates Among Black/African American Chicagoans. We are grateful to all the panelists and participants who contributed to these important recommendations at our COVID-19 Roundtable Discussion in June, hosted in partnership with the Chicago Department of Public Health (CDPH).
Increasing vaccine confidence in vulnerable communities is a top priority for EverThrive IL, and we know that providing spaces for communities most impacted by these disparities to come together and develop new strategies is an integral part of increasing vaccination rates. The recommendations will be used as a guiding document for additional ways community partners can work together to ensure Black/African American residents have the relevant information and access needed to receive the COVID-19 vaccine and boosters.
Our work in the coming year will include partnering with community organizations, leaders, and members to train and deploy vaccine ambassadors/educator. We will also work to reduce barriers to access vaccine care and launch a multi-sector Equitable Vaccine Advisory Council. We are committed to providing community-centered education that addresses the root causes of vaccine reluctance, including systemic racism within the health care system that breeds mistrust. As part of our work, we have also created several digital immunization resources to keep our communities healthy.
These digital immunization resources include:
Understanding COVID-19 Resource Page
Vaccine Information for Parents
We know that vaccines help promote health throughout an individual’s lifespan and are vital to everyone’s well-being. You can help create healthy communities by sharing these free resources with the communities you serve and partnering with us to increase vaccination confidence in Illinois.