Maximising COVID-19 vaccination uptake in a diverse population

The Healthier Together COVID-19 Mass Vaccination Programme covers a population of almost 1 million people, in the Bristol, North Somerset and South Gloucestershire (BNSSG) area. The most vulnerable people in society, including minority ethnic groups, people experiencing homelessness and deprived populations in general have been those most at risk from the direct and indirect consequences of COVID-19 infection, and are also less likely to receive vaccines. 

The vision of the Mass Vaccination Programme is to vaccinate all eligible people in BNSSG, aiming to leave no-one behind and particularly those at higher risk of severe illness and death from COVID-19.

Partners within the Bristol, North Somerset and South Gloucestershire (BNSSG) health and care system have worked together with local communities, developing multiple interventions for engagement and outreach including vaccine myth-busting webinars, community language videos and community-led clinics.

The Science Communication Unit, through Dr Elena Milani and Dr Laura Hobbs and led by Professor Nicola Walsh, supported rollout of interventions by the vaccination programme to reach diverse populations. Laura is now supporting Dr Ilhem Berrou in further evaluation of the programme. Results of the programme were published in Vaccines: Leaving no one behind: Interventions and outcomes of the COVID-19 vaccine maximising uptake programme.

More information about the project can be found in the <abbr title="Bristol, North Somerset and South Gloucestershire">BNSSG</abbr> Healthier Together Maximising Vaccination Uptake Across BNSSG evaluation report.

Maximising COVID-19 vaccination uptake in a diverse population was shortlisted as a finalist for an HSJ Awards 2021 NHS Race Equality Award.