Johnson County Public Health (JCPH) in Iowa developed a vaccine ambassador program by reviewing successful models like Vax Ambassadors within Voices for Vaccines and insights from the Community Preventive Service Task Force (CPSTF) on increasing vaccine uptake through peer information sharing. They created standardized, evidence-based educational materials and collaborated with their community partner, Escucha Mi Voz Iowa (EMV), to adapt these materials and identify potential vaccine ambassadors.

To establish this program, JCPH researched existing vaccine peer ambassador models, assessing community needs and barriers to vaccine uptake. They recognized the importance of flexibility in their educational materials to adapt to evolving community needs. EMV trained over 40 immigrant community members in one-on-one relational organizing, resulting in the first cohort of Vax Champs.

These Vax Champs were mobilized to conduct outreach, address vaccine hesitancy, inform residents about the free COVID-19 vaccine through the Bridge Access Program, and share local public health resources. Despite the challenges of building this new initiative, JCPH’s experience during the pandemic enabled them to navigate implementation effectively.

The training curriculum for Vax Champs will remain adaptable to better serve community needs. This initiative empowered community members to share vital health information, enhancing their capacity for peer education and potentially supporting broader public health efforts.