EQUITY PARTNERSHIPS IN ACTION Vaccines and Public Health

ABSTRACT

During the COVID-19 pandemic, partnerships to advance equity were critical in developing and implementing vaccine allocation and distribution plans. This chapter provides an overview of one recent equity partnership focused on COVID-19 vaccination equity in Virginia. Health inequities existed among racial groups and socially vulnerable populations before the COVID-19 pandemic. The pandemic exacerbated these inequities—disproportionately and negatively affecting communities of color. The primary task of this partnership was the development of a community-based approach that ensured Virginia's vaccine allocation strategy focused on equity. The partnership's contributions and activities positively impacted Virginia's vulnerable communities. Strong equity partnerships can offer robust solutions—increasing the positive effect on socially vulnerable groups by combining resources and knowledge while focusing on a shared goal. Although much work remains in the fight against the COVID-19 pandemic, the longer-term goal is to eliminate health disparities and disparate treatment of vulnerable communities. The partnership profiled in this chapter offers an instructive example that is widely applicable. © 2023 selection and editorial matter, Elsie L. Harper-Anderson, Jay S. Albanese and Susan T. Gooden;individual chapters, the contributors.