Research initiative successfully combats COVID-19 vaccine disparities

An innovative effort to close the gap in COVID-19 vaccination rates in Prince George’s County, Maryland found major success, according to new research co-authored by a public health leader at Kennedy Krieger Institute, Dr. Ernest Carter.

The research, published in the Journal of Health Care for the Poor and Underserved, unveils how the Prince George’s County Health Department recruited community health workers from June 2021 to June 2024 to deliver COVID-19 education and resources to the populations least likely to get vaccinated.

This multi-organizational initiative, called the Health Literacy Enhancement and Advancement Program (Health LEAP), reached over 14,800 residents. Health LEAP focused particularly on Black and Hispanic communities, as they had the highest number of COVID-19 deaths in the county.

The key takeaways from this effort show:

• A 345% increase in vaccinations among all Prince George’s County residents.
• A 512% rise in vaccinations among specific residents who speak English as a second language.
• Over 4,000 Black and Hispanic residents met in one-on-one health literacy coaching sessions, teaching them where to find reliable health information.

Dr. Carter was instrumental in leading this project during his tenure at the Prince George’s County Health Department. He now serves as the Director of Health Equity, Research, and Innovation at Kennedy Krieger Institute. Drawing on his experience, Dr. Carter continues to champion efforts to address health disparities and promote equity at Kennedy Krieger, aligning with the Institute’s mission. He noted that even four years after the pandemic first hit Maryland, many people of color continue to be disproportionately hurt by the virus.

“In 2021, Prince George’s County had the highest number of COVID-19 cases and the second highest mortality rate in the state,” Dr. Carter said. “While we’ve made progress since then, most cases in 2024 still disproportionately affect families of color, highlighting the ongoing impact of health disparities and structural inequities in these communities.”

Prince George’s County—home to one of the country’s largest Black and Hispanic communities—is still facing ongoing vaccine hesitancy. Much of this is driven by misinformation, language barriers, and general distrust of the health care system.

The Health LEAP leaders conducted outreach in grocery stores, houses of worship, and housing complexes, combating misinformation found or being spread. These efforts not only increased vaccination rates, but also encouraged residents to take control of how they receive health information.

“We’re showing health disparities won’t disappear without targeted, community-driven interventions.” Dr. Carter said. “Even now, we are teaching residents how to access, understand, and use health information in their households so that they can make educated decisions surrounding vaccinations not just for COVID, but other conditions, as well.”