Mitigating inequalities at a large COVID-19 vaccination centre

The COVID-19 vaccination service is a key component in the UK approach to reducing disease morbidity and mortality. Groups within the population at increased risk of severe outcomes from COVID-19 overlap with groups that are less likely to take up the offer of vaccination. This article outlines some learning from approaches within a large vaccination centre in the UK to reduce inequalities.

Continuous quality improvement processes were used to operationalise the mitigations to inequalities with vaccination uptake that were identified by a systematic equality impact assessment framework and continuous service feedback.

Quality improvement processes and community engagement enabled tailored mitigations to vaccination uptake. Engagement with community ambassadors strengthened community relationships and the co-creation of bespoke sessions encouraged vaccination uptake within specific groups.

Recommendations for strengthening approaches to inequality reduction include having a systematic framework for assessment and mitigation of inequalities, embedding quality improvement, identifying resources, and taking a collaborative and co-design approach to services with underserved groups.