Hyperlocal lessons from the COVID-19 pandemic: Toward an equity-centered implementation science approach

Area of Science:

• Public Health
• Implementation Science
• Health Equity

Background:

• COVID-19 vaccination campaigns aimed to reduce hospitalizations and deaths.
• The pandemic led to decreased routine vaccination coverage, especially in disadvantaged communities.
• Existing community-based efforts have not consistently closed immunization gaps during the pandemic.

Purpose of the Study:

• To present an equity-centered implementation science approach.
• To address disparities in vaccination coverage exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic.
• To promote sustainable improvements in health outcomes through collaborative efforts.

Main Methods:

• Employing an implementation science framework.
• Co-designing interventions with community partners.
• Co-implementing and co-evaluating solutions for sustainable impact.

Main Results:

• Disparities in vaccine distribution and uptake were observed.
• Routine vaccination coverage declined during the pandemic, particularly in vulnerable populations.
• Community-based strategies have shown limited widespread success in overcoming these gaps.

Conclusions:

• An equity-centered approach is crucial for addressing immunization disparities.
• Collaborative co-design, co-implementation, and co-evaluation can lead to sustainable health improvements.
• This approach offers a replicable model for narrowing immunization gaps in diverse communities.