Vaccines
Partnering 4 Vaccine Equity (P4VE) – COVID-19 and the Flu
IA² is one of 102 community-based organizations in 2023, awarded by the CDC Foundation under the Partnering for Vaccine Equity program.
This program will continue to assist those working with Native elders in rural/ urban clusters by increasing available community-informed, culturally tailored vaccine communication and education products. With the goal of reducing vaccine hesitancy, thus resulting in adult flu and COVID-19 vaccination uptake.
Native American populations are falling behind state COVID-19 vaccination averages, and even fewer individuals are receiving booster shots. While in the last decade, the flu vaccination uptake remained the same with a suggestion of decline. Given the rurality of most tribal communities, these communities face economic and geographic challenges in providing care, which impacts the health of the people who live there.
This initiative supports the implementation of evidence-based strategies to improve communities’ health and reduce vaccine hesitancy’s prevalence. It builds on knowledge developed through the previously funded program year and encourages cross-sector collaborations to create lasting community change.
Funding for this effort is made possible through a subaward from the CDC Foundation and is part of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) financial assistance award totaling $25,660,048 with 100 percent funding from CDC/HHS. The contents are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily represent the official views of, nor an endorsement by, CDC/HHS or the U.S. Government.
Preventing Mpox Resurgence
IA², along with 43 other community-based organizations (CBOs), received funding from the CDC Foundation in 2023 for a project titled, Preventing Mpox Resurgence by Increasing Vaccine Confidence and Community Immunity through CBO Partnership.
This project builds on the work of the P4VE program through efforts to increase vaccine education, confidence, access, and acceptance of JYNNEOS, a 2-dose mpox vaccine that can prevent infection or reduce the likelihood of severe illness, hospitalization and death.
Addressing the persistent mpox vaccination shortfall among American Indian/Alaska Native (AI/AN) populations involves addressing barriers to access and vaccine hesitancy, in addition to implementing culturally tailored approaches. This includes addressing known barriers such as limited availability of vaccination sites, transportation challenges, and lack of culturally tailored healthcare services. It also involves acknowledging the impact of historical and cultural factors, including historical trauma and persistent health inequities, that contribute to vaccine hesitancy. Overcoming these challenges can help reduce vaccine hesitancy, improve vaccination coverage, and ensure equitable progress in JYNNEOS vaccination across all communities. Strategies include building trust and relationships with AI/AN communities, developing culturally tailored education and outreach programs, addressing systemic barriers, empowering community ownership, and acknowledging historical truth and healing.
This project is focused on developing culturally responsive communication materials and improving community outreach and partnerships to increase mpox vaccine awareness and confidence.
