COVID-19 Vaccine Communication Toolkit for Community-Based Organizations: Getting Started

COVID-19 Vaccine Communication Toolkit for Community-Based Organizations: Getting Started
Updated Jan. 16, 2021
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man wearing mask carrying a package with text: I got my COVID-19 Vaccine! Protect against COVID-19. A safe and effective vaccine to protect against COVID_19 is now available. www.cdc.gov

Soon the communities you serve will have access to vaccines to help protect against COVID-19. CDC has designed a toolkit to help community-based organizations (CBOs) educate communities about this important new prevention tool.

Who is this toolkit for?

This toolkit is designed for staff of organizations serving communities affected by COVID-19. These CBOs could include social service organizations, faith-based organizations, YMCAs/YWCAs, fraternities, school organizations (e.g., PTAs/PTOs), meal delivery services, senior centers, and others.

What is the purpose of this toolkit?

This toolkit will help your organization educate community members about COVID-19 vaccines, raise awareness about the benefits of vaccination, and address common questions and concerns.

What is in the toolkit?

The toolkit contains a variety of resources that you can use virtually or in person (with proper COVID-19 safety precautions):

How can I get started?

  • Adapt the key messages to the language, tone, and format that will resonate with your community. YOU know what works in your community.
  • Use these key messages to customize the template letter and send or email it to your community members to introduce your COVID-19 vaccine educational activities.
  • Print copies of the posters and FAQs and use them as handouts.
  • Organize a COVID-19 vaccine presentation for your community members and promote it via digital and community communication channels. If your community has internet access, organize a virtual presentation. If it does not, organize an in-person presentation following COVID-19 safety precautions. Ask if your local health department can provide a speaker if you do not have a health educator on staff. Distribute copies of the FAQs.
  • Hang posters in highly visible places in your community.
  • Continue to educate your community via articles, blog posts, and social media posts.
  • Invite community members to wear stickers once they have been vaccinated and post vaccination selfies on social media.

If you are not already working with your local health department, you should consider reaching out for assistance. The health department’s immunization program can help coordinate vaccination clinics, provide speakers for presentations, and offer other types of expertise.

Can I put my organization’s logo on these materials?

  • You can put your organization’s logo on materials that have a “Your Logo Here” square, but you should leave the CDC URL (cdc.gov) on those materials.

Will this toolkit be expanded?

Yes, CDC will continue to add more materials to this toolkit. Please check back frequently for updates.

Last Updated Jan. 16, 2021
Content source: National Center for Immunization and Respiratory Diseases (NCIRD), Division of Viral Diseases