Where We Started: Improving COVID-19 Vaccine Uptake through Collaborative Action

In 2021, the CVP-National Project was launched with a focus on building COVID-19 vaccine confidence and addressing the unique barriers faced by equity-deserving populations. By partnering with CHCs and provincial CHC associations, we were able to support localized vaccine promotion efforts, share best practices, and provide resources tailored to the diverse needs of communities across Canada. This effort was instrumental in enhancing the public’s trust in the COVID-19 vaccine, especially in areas where vaccine hesitancy and misinformation were more pronounced. Throughout 2023, the project supported a variety of initiatives aimed at combating misinformation, promoting trust in vaccines, and ensuring equitable access to the vaccine. This early phase of the project laid a strong foundation for vaccination promotion with equity deserving groups and the current CVP initiative.

2024: Expanding Reach and Deepening Impact

In 2024, the CVP-National Project received an extension to continue its vital work. This second phase of the project is designed to improve vaccine confidence and knowledge by curating, adapting, and disseminating culturally and linguistically accessible resources tailored to the unique needs of diverse communities across Canada. With the support of CACHC’s vast network of 100+ Community Health Centres, the project is helping to equip healthcare providers with the tools and resources needed to implement evidence-based, equity-informed approaches to vaccine promotion.

As we reflect on the past year of the CVP-National Project, we are proud to have continued building on the impact made over the last 4 years to increase confidence in, uptake of, and access to vaccination among equity-deserving populations across Canada. The CVP-National Project has been pivotal in fostering vaccine confidence, overcoming access barriers, and addressing misinformation within high priority communities. As we head into year two of this phase of the Project, we look forward to building on our success and deepening our impact.

Our focus in this second year will be on:

1. Developing and Disseminating Multilingual Resources: We have created a multilingual vaccine communications toolkit available in nine languages, covering the flu, COVID-19, pneumococcal, and shingles vaccines. We have also created several brochures addressing vaccine myths, misconceptions, and frequently asked questions. We’ve also designed provincial lifetime vaccine guides, which are in the process of being translated into priority languages. Moving forward, we will expand upon these resources, including further translations to ensure that the information is culturally and linguistically accessible.
2. Building Confidence Among Healthcare Providers and Community Champions: To tackle vaccine hesitancy at the grassroots level, we are developing additional resources aimed at healthcare providers and community champions. These resources will support local leaders with the tools and knowledge they need to confidently address concerns about seasonal and routine vaccination.
3. Increasing Access and Equity: Ensuring that the resources we’ve developed are easily accessible to CHCs and healthcare providers across the country is our top priority for year two. We will be focusing on the distribution of these materials, using a variety of communications platforms, to ensure that they are accessible when and where they are needed most.

Leveraging Knowledge Exchange

At the heart of the CVP-National Project is a commitment to collaboration. Through platforms such as our Communities of Practice, website and Knowledge Hub, we continue to facilitate ongoing dialogue, knowledge exchange, and resource sharing across the country. These platforms provide a space for learning and innovation, allowing CHCs to share experiences, strategies, and successes. Moving into year two, knowledge exchange activities, such as webinars and conference presentations, will continue to emphasize increasing culturally and linguistically accessible health literacy and improving access to vaccines in communities that have historically faced barriers.

A Vision for the Future

The CVP-National Project is more than just a response to the COVID-19 pandemic—it’s about creating lasting, positive changes in Canada’s healthcare system. By increasing health literacy, promoting vaccine trust, and ensuring that resources are tailored to the needs of equity-deserving populations, we are laying the groundwork for better health outcomes and greater health equity for all Canadians.

As we begin the second year of the CVP-National Project, we are excited about the opportunities ahead. With continued collaboration, expanded resources, and a steadfast commitment to equitable vaccine access, we are confident that we will make even greater strides toward a healthier and more equitable future for all Canadians. We are excited by the progress we’ve made and are looking forward to the work that lies ahead. Thank you for being part of this transformative journey!

To learn more about the CVP-National project and to access vaccine resources, visit: www.cachc.ca/kte

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