Using Public Health Detailing to Increase Access and Confidence in COVID-19 Vaccines and Reinvest in Disproportionately Impacted NYC Communities.

Context: COVID-19 vaccination rates in New York City (NYC) began to plateau in the spring of 2021, with unacceptable inequities in vaccination rates based on race.

Program: To address racial inequities in vaccination rates and COVID-19 health outcomes, the New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene adapted a preexisting provider outreach and education program for public health emergency use with the goals of community reinvestment and increasing patient confidence and access to the COVID-19 vaccines. The Vaccine Public Health Detailing (VPHD) program was delivered as part of a larger community outreach initiative and brought timely updates, materials, and access to technical assistance to primary care providers and staff in NYC neighborhoods experiencing COVID-19 health inequities.