Haitian communities in Delaware, estimated to have a population of close to 15,000, exhibit high vaccine hesitancy and low vaccination rates. According to key informants, this population is concerned with how fast the vaccine was developed and believe there is not enough knowledge about it. Some even express concern that the vaccine is being tested on those that take it.

Consequently, members of the Haitian community who do seek education or vaccinations are left to navigate the process alone, an effort made difficult due to lack of accessible and appropriate resources.

RESPONSE

The Extension Collaborative on Immunization and Teaching Engagement initiative (EXCITE) addresses vaccination disparities in underserved communities. University of Delaware Cooperative Extension collaborated with Haitian leaders and state health entities to create and distribute COVID-19 information and resources to Delaware’s Haitian communities. This includes providing educational materials, health products (masks and hand sanitizer) and displays for in person events statewide.

IMPACT

The EXCITE initiative directly reached more than 1,000 individuals at community events and created ten educational materials for Haitian Creole and Spanish speakers. At those events that offered the COVID-19 vaccine, 46 community members received the vaccination. UD Extension shared updates on this work and relevant information about COVID-19 current events and news on our website and social media accounts.

UD Extension also facilitated discussions between Haitian leaders and the Delaware state marketing team to decrease the gap between information offered at the state level and the needs of the Haitian community. These discussions included prioritizing materials, examining translations and keeping information culturally relevant.

Next, the State of Delaware, Haitian leaders and other health professionals in Delaware will work together to develop new messaging that partners can directly share with Haitian audiences statewide. These materials will include videos, posters, handouts and digital media messaging.

RECOGNITION

The Extension Collaborative on Immunization and Teaching Engagement (EXCITE) initiative is funded through the Extension Foundation, the Extension Committee on Organization and Policy, USDA National Institute of Food and Agriculture and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Partnerships for this project include the Delaware Division of Public Health, Purdue Poultry Farm, Love and Hope Rescue Mission, Office of Governor John Carney, and Tabitha Medical.

PUBLIC VALUE STATEMENT

Haitian communities in Delaware exhibit high vaccine hesitancy and low vaccination rates. To improve rates, UD Cooperative Extension (via EXCITE) collaborated with Haitian leaders and state health entities to create and distribute COVID-19 information and resources to Delaware’s Haitian communities. This project reached more than 1,000 individuals, created ten educational materials for Haitian Creole and Spanish speakers and vaccinated 46 people.