They will reach out to certain sectors of the population about the COVID-19 vaccine.
Annapolis, Md (KM) An effort is underway to reach out to the some sectors of the population and inform them about the coronavirus vaccine. These include individuals who are undeserved, vulnerable or hard to reach. They may not know about the vaccine, or may be skeptical about it. As a result, they are reluctant to receive the shots.
Brigadier General Janeen Birckhead with the Maryland National Guard is the head of the Maryland Vaccine Equity Task Force. “This is an all-hands-on-deck response and we are actively engaged,” she said. “The Vaccine Equity Task Force is here to make sure every Marylanders knows the facts and facilitate the opportunity for vaccination in underserved communities, vulnerable communities and at-risk groups.”
The Vaccine Equity Task Force will be working with all 24 of Maryland’s local health departments to get the message out about the vaccine. Each department will appoint a liaison to the Task Force. “I want to especially thank the local health departments because I know they know their communities best,” says Brigadier General Birckhead. “The Equity Task Force will add, support and amplify their efforts.”
She says education, outreach and vaccination locations can help mitigate the impact of inequality, especially when it comes to administering the vaccine.
By Kevin McManus