A newly developed vaccine toolkit aimed at empowering rural and underserved communities with accurate vaccine information launched Thursday, September 12. Created by an interprofessional team including faculty from Ohio State University Extension, AmeriCorps volunteers, pharmacists, and students from OSU's College of Pharmacy, the toolkit is designed to provide comprehensive education on vaccines and promote public health across Ohio.
The Extension Foundation, in cooperation with the Extension Committee on Organization and Policy, through an Interagency Agreement with the USDA National Institute of Food and Agriculture and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) are funding the Cooperative Extension System to address health disparities among rural and other underserved communities. This initiative is called the Extension Collaborative on Immunization Teaching & Engagement (EXCITE).
The toolkit, available at go.osu.edu/vax-info, is designed to combat vaccine hesitancy, improve communication between community members and healthcare providers, and ensure increased access to vaccination clinics for people of all ages and health conditions. The resource includes easy-to-understand materials such as infographics, pamphlets, and videos covering seasonal vaccines, age-specific needs, and guidance for at-risk groups such as those with diabetes.
Myriam Shaw Ojeda, assistant professor of Pharmacy Practice at OSU's College of Pharmacy, highlights the toolkit's potential impact: "I am excited for our Extension family at large to access this valuable vaccine toolkit. There is a lot of confusing information out in the public. This resource can help individuals answer their vaccination questions and then make their own, informed decision."
The toolkit addresses several key areas:
- Educating Communities: By using well-researched materials, including infographics and videos, individuals and families can better understand vaccine benefits for themselves and their communities.
- Combating Vaccine Hesitancy: The toolkit provides evidence-based resources to counter fears and misconceptions, offering clarity and fostering informed decision-making.
- Enhancing Communication: The resources help facilitate conversations between healthcare professionals and community members, offering trusted guidance tailored to both general needs and specific concerns for high-risk populations.
- Increasing Accessibility: Designed to be easily accessible to everyone, the toolkit aims to build trust and increase vaccination rates, particularly in areas with limited healthcare access.
Dr. Shaw Ojeda and her colleagues are encouraging widespread use of the toolkit to enhance its impact. Community leaders, healthcare providers, and Extension professionals are invited to utilize the materials in their outreach efforts.
For more information on how to access and promote the toolkit, visit go.osu.edu/vax-info