COVID-19 Vaccination Bright Spots in Rural Communities
In partnership with NORC at the University of Chicago (NORC), CRHR conducted work for the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to identify rural counties across the United States with higher than expected COVID-19 vaccination rates. Six case study sites were selected based on vaccination rates, geographic location, ethnic and racial diversity, and a mix of public health delivery structures. CRHR researchers focused on Marshall County, IA; Perry County, KY; and Mississippi Delta Region. NORC researchers looked at Starr County, TX; Rio Arriba County, NM; and the North Country Region of New Hampshire.
CRHR’s research team conducted qualitative interviews with community leaders and residents to assess methods and strategies for successful COVID vaccination strategies. The interviews revealed that collaborations among community partners were vital to the communities’ success and that strong leadership was in place among multiple community sectors prior to the vaccination rollout. Community members stated they were influenced by trusted relationships with providers or community-based organizations; employer mandates and incentives; witnessing a family member or friend with serious COVID-19; and consistent messaging encouraging COVID-19-safe behaviors.
In addition, CRHR and NORC created a customized version of its prosperity index mapping tool product, integrating county-level data on COVID-19 cases, deaths, and vaccination rates, as well as adult immunization information from the NIS. When integrated with other data in the tool related to social determinants of health and leading causes of death, local community organizations and policymakers can access important data to help guide their COVID-19 response and decision-making and inform their response to future public health emergencies.
COVID-19 Vaccination Success Stories