Vaccination of children in marginalized neighbourhoods: equity and diversity challenges with COVID-19 vaccination campaigns

ABSTRACT

The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has exacerbated social inequities along ethnic, racial and socio-economic lines, with significant harmful consequences for children. Building on the lessons learned from community-based initiatives, this commentary proposes a reflection around equity, diversity, and inclusion challenges embedded in child vaccination campaigns during an emergency context. We argue that building equitable and inclusive practices around marginalized communities' child vaccination is a multifaceted challenge. Beyond good intentions-wanting to protect children-the risks and benefits associated with highlighting diversity in each intervention need to be carefully considered, especially when it comes to a contested/polarizing procedure such as vaccination with a novel type of vaccine. Often, a one-size-fits-all approach negates and perpetuates structural inequities. In other cases, highlighting diversity and inequities may inadvertently increase stigma and discrimination, and further harm or infantilize targeted communities. By providing multiple perspectives, a transdisciplinary approach can support decision-making in a crisis context.