Strategy
Washington, DC, government, healthcare providers, and school systems worked in partnership to proactively advocate for COVID-19 vaccination in children ages 6 months to 4 years old.
Challenge
Washington, DC, was prepared to act when the COVID-19 vaccine was approved for children ages 5 to 11 in October 2021. DC began COVID-19 vaccine advocacy for children ages 6 months to 4 years old immediately after vaccine approval. District leadership recognized the need for timely, but unique, strategies to raise COVID-19 vaccination rates for both of these younger age groups, similarly to their vaccine advocacy for 12- to 17-year-olds.
Solution
In Washington, DC, government, healthcare provider, and school leaders worked together to advocate for COVID-19 vaccination for children ages 5 to 11. Vaccines were made available in a variety of locations, including hospitals, mobile clinics, pharmacies, health centers, schools, and at new, District-hosted pop-up vaccination sites specifically targeted towards children ages 5 to 11. DC’s health division, DC Health, posted pop-up site information on their website. The DC Health website also provided an option for community groups to request a pop-up site be brought to their area. Efforts were made for healthcare providers to be representative of the respective communities being served. Washington, DC, public schools also communicated their approval of vaccination for children ages 5 to 11 over Twitter. Local hospital Children’s National also proactively contacted parents of at-risk children in this age group to suggest vaccination.
When the COVID-19 vaccine became available for children ages 6 months to 4 years old, DC Health took a different advocacy approach by suggesting parents consult their pediatric provider about the appropriateness of the vaccine. Pediatric participation in vaccinating this young age group was robust. The COVID-19 vaccine continued to be available in health centers in each district ward without appointments, and even during evenings and weekends. Children received “goodie bags” for getting vaccinated.
Outcome
The Washington, DC, vaccination rate for children ages 5 to 11 was two and a half times the national average within two weeks of this age group becoming eligible. The vaccination rate for children ages 6 months to 4 years in the district was over three and a half times the national average within two months of this age group becoming eligible.
Supplemental Resources