Nonprofit organization Literacy Network’s COVID-19 vaccine education helped increase vaccination rates among its target population from 26% all the way up to 78%, according to a release from the organization. The program, supported by a grant from the Wisconsin Department of Health Services, has reached hundreds of community members, helping to improve vaccination rates among adults of color at a higher rate than the average for Dane County.
An April survey of adult learners in Literacy Network programs showed 26% of learners were accessing COVID-19 vaccines compared to 37% of the overall population of Dane County. Twenty-five percent of surveyed students also reported either hesitance or unwillingness to be vaccinated. In response, Literacy Network developed a multipronged approach including vaccine lesson plans, social media posts with accessible, accurate vaccine information, and the hosting of two vaccine clinics in partnership with Fitchburg Community Pharmacy. As of the second week of June, Literacy Network learners were becoming vaccinated at a rate of 78%, which was 12% higher than the Dane County average.
