Partnership between Somali association, region helps increase vaccine uptake
Posted Apr 11, 2022 10:15:00 PM.
The Region of Waterloo and Somali Canadian Association of Waterloo Region (SCAWR) have wrapped up a successful six-week partnership to overcome COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy in racialized communities.
The region says one of the main objectives was to reach community members in meaningful ways to provide accurate information so they could make an informed choice. There were six information sessions and two vaccine clinics were offered in a space that was accessible and familiar, resulting in an increase in vaccine uptake.
“Engaging community members and collaborating with the Region of Waterloo helped bridge existing gaps and increased awareness and trust of the COVID-19 vaccines,” Zack Ahmed, project manager for SCAWR, explained in a news release. “By continuously engaging with community organizations like SCAWR, the Region will continue to gain deeper understanding of barriers to vaccine acceptance and uptake, and thereafter implement evidence and community-informed practices now and in the future.”
Almost 130 individuals aged five and older received a first, second or booster dose of the vaccine at the two clinics.
