COVID-19 BIPOC VACCINE CLINICS

The COVID-19 pandemic exposed deep-rooted social disparities, with communities of color bearing the brunt of its impact. The Vermont Racial Justice Alliance (RJA) led the way in advocating for an equitable vaccination policy that considered race outside of the age bands. This was followed by both public and internal advocacy efforts to make vaccines available to all BIPOC individuals and their household members, regardless of age. 

However, inequities and barriers to access in the vaccine rollout—including outreach, language accessibility, and registration systems—remained problematic. In response, BIPOC community-based organizations (CBOs) developed a network of BIPOC vaccine clinics across the state, reshaping the vaccination process to address accessibility with the goal of increasing vaccine uptake.

Traditional registration, scheduling, and clinical experiences were completely overhauled to improve user–experience as well as social and cultural factors limiting vaccine access, and to increase vaccine uptake in communities of color.  The coalition provided full case management, translated resources, education sessions, childcare, and transportation for the community, transforming sterile vaccine clinics into welcoming and trusted spaces. Our partner institutions provided essential support in terms of funding, data, staff, and a steady vaccine supply.


The Burlington BIPOC vaccine clinic took place each Saturday at the Cathedral Church of St. Paul.

The Burlington BIPOC vaccine clinic took place each Saturday at the Cathedral Church of St. Paul.

Vaccine clinics sought to overcome language barriers by having volunteer translators present and language-accessible signage for attendees

Vaccine clinics sought to overcome language barriers by having volunteer translators present and language-accessible signage for attendees

VHEI staffers and volunteers would assist with check-in and registration.

VHEI staffers and volunteers would assist with check-in and registration.

VHEI staffers and volunteers would walk attendees through the registration process.

VHEI staffers and volunteers would walk attendees through the registration process.

VHEI staffers and volunteers would walk attendees through the registration process.

VHEI staffers and volunteers would walk attendees through the registration process.

The Burlington BIPOC vaccine clinic took place each Saturday at the Cathedral Church of St. Paul.

The Burlington BIPOC vaccine clinic took place each Saturday at the Cathedral Church of St. Paul.

VHEI volunteers and community members in the BIPOC COVID-19 clinic

VHEI volunteers and community members in the BIPOC COVID-19 clinic

VHEI volunteers and community members in the BIPOC COVID-19 clinic

VHEI volunteers and community members in the BIPOC COVID-19 clinic

VHEI volunteers and community members in the BIPOC COVID-19 clinic

VHEI volunteers and community members in the BIPOC COVID-19 clinic

Flow chart / Workflow

Keep image of church. VDH + partners coming together to church, parterns at top / meetings funneled to 0%

Clinics took place at the Cathedral Church of St. Paul in Burlington, VT

OUR WORKFLOW

Creating the least clinical clinic

The efforts of the vaccines clinics reduced the state-wide vaccination disparity between BIPOC Vermonters and white Vermonters to 0%

Educational outreach

We provided Vermonters with the facts on the COVID-19 vaccine. Everything from vaccine effectiveness to safety precautions that lower the rates of transmission to culturally-specific information. All clinic attendees were informed of side effects and given time to ask questions to clinic staff members.

Through social media, we informed patients on their rights to the COVID-19 vaccines, with the hope of alleviating concerns regarding costs, insurance coverage, and status as undocumented immigrants.

A selection of our educational videos

VHEI filmed and published over 30 patient and provider education videos on vaccine safety and frequently asked questions regarding the COVID-19 vaccine. VHEI hosted free webinars and town hall sessions on the state of COVID-19 and public health within Vermont.

Dr. Anthony Williams presenting on the COVID-19 pediatric vaccine

Expert advice

Heads up!

COVID-19 is not gone. Especially not for our immunocompromised friends, so let’s please be mindful and safe. For more information on how to support our immunocompromised friends, please visit the CDC.