Addressing Covid-19 Vaccination Disparities

The COVID-19 pandemic has exacerbated health disparities in vulnerable communities. The challenge is stark in Philadelphia, one of the most diverse & racially segregated cities in the country. In 2020, the Philadelphia Inquirer reported that Black patients were dying from COVID-19 at more than 30% higher rates than white patients, & Black & Hispanic women were infected 5 times higher than white women. During the initial release of the COVID vaccines Persons of color (POC) were being vaccinated at disproportionately low rates. In response, Jefferson Health (JH) led a robust, effort to address these disparities. JH focused on equitable invitations for vaccinations to close the care gap. JH launched mobile vaccination units to bring the vaccine directly into underserved communities. JH implemented a robust city-wide mobile vaccination workflow which improved the care gap between the diverse populations of Philadelphia. JH remains committed to providing equitable services to underserved populations.