During the COVID-19 Pandemic, MCDPH worked with many partners to bring vaccines to the community. However, there was a need to reach those who were underserved due to language barriers, lack of transportation, or mistrust in government. We needed to not only bring vaccines, but to be able to communicate with them in their own language to build trust and better engage with them.
As a result of these efforts, the MCDPH created the Immunization Equity Unit. For years, we have worked with several partners to build bridges to health and to learn how to better serve their communities. We know that to continue reaching underserved populations and bring equity, we need to stay connected even after the pandemic has ended. For this reason, we continue this work in the community and partners know that we are here to serve, build trust, and collaborate with compassion. Although there is much more to do, we are thrilled that we have vaccinated thousands of underserved populations in places of worship, schools, community centers, libraries, food banks, and ethnic festivals.