How Cities Are Addressing Vaccine Hesitancy

About the Event

Now that the COVID-19 vaccine is available to everyone, cities and counties across the United States are grappling with another significant challenge: vaccine hesitancy. Despite the availability of the vaccine, encouraging widespread adoption has proven to be a complex hurdle for public health officials. This issue requires tailored, community-focused approaches to effectively address concerns, misinformation, and other barriers that contribute to vaccine hesitancy. Mayors and other public officials are uniquely positioned to leverage their influence and trusted voices to improve vaccine utilization within their communities, but they must do so strategically to achieve the desired outcomes.

In this insightful webinar, participants will explore the findings of a comprehensive multi-city project and report that offers valuable insights into the actionable steps cities can take to promote vaccine adoption. The session will delve into the various ways cities are actively engaging with their communities to ensure equitable access to vaccines, address vaccine hesitancy, and build public trust. By sharing successful strategies and innovative approaches, this webinar aims to empower local leaders to take effective actions that resonate with their residents and improve public health outcomes.

About the Project

The Harvard Kennedy School’s Ash Center for Democratic Governance and Innovation, in collaboration with Bennett Midland, Zencity, and various cities and counties across the United States, is spearheading this vital project. Supported by The Robert Wood Johnson Foundation (RWJF), the initiative seeks to understand and minimize hesitancy around the COVID-19 vaccine, promote informed conversations, and enhance satisfaction with city and county vaccine rollout efforts among diverse communities.

The project’s comprehensive approach includes gathering data from a wide range of communities to assess attitudes towards the vaccine and identify the most effective strategies for increasing adoption rates. This collaborative effort is designed to equip local governments with the knowledge and tools they need to address the specific challenges faced by their communities, ensuring that vaccine rollout efforts are both equitable and effective.

To download the full report of the project findings, discussed in the event,
click here.