Community Health Worker Influence on COVID-19 Vaccine Uptake in New York City, 2021‒2022.

Abstract

<b>Objectives.</b> To evaluate a community health worker (CHW) intervention to decrease COVID-19 vaccine uptake disparities in historically disinvested communities of color. <b>Methods.</b> The New York City Health Department partnered with community-based organizations that served 75 zip code‒defined communities targeted for rapid response intervention. Analyses used community demographic and COVID-19 vaccine uptake data. Linear regression models evaluated high and low CHW outreach on community vaccine uptake between July 1, 2021, and June 30, 2022. <b>Results.</b> Of 75 communities, 65 (85%) experienced high CHW outreach, which prioritized trauma-informed engagement with 4.2 million Black and Latino community residents. On average, residents were 70% Black and Latino. Significant differences existed between high and low outreach communities for baseline community COVID-19 vaccine uptake (44% vs 59%; <i>P</i> < .001). CHWs provided vaccine information to community residents 18 million times and increased community vaccine uptake from 44% to 76% (<i>P</i> < .001) in 1 year. <b>Conclusions.</b> This research expands the body of evidence documenting the essential role played by CHWs to change population health behaviors. <b>Public Health Implications.</b> Response readiness during public health crises relies on pre-established trust. When this is lacking, CHW outreach can bridge the gap. (<i>Am J Public Health</i>. 2025;115(6):910-919. https://doi.org/10.2105/AJPH.2025.308039).