Interested to host a COVID-19 mobile clinic or community conversation at your library? In this interview, we’ll hear from the Massachusetts Department of Public Health about resources and services available for your library to support vaccine equity.
What are some ways that libraries can partner with the Massachusetts Department of Public Health to respond to the COVID pandemic?
Libraries are great partners to support COVID-19 vaccination of children and youth. Libraries can support or host pediatric vaccination clinics, request a free COVID-19 mobile clinic to come to the library, connect families to existing clinics in their communities, connect families to vaccine support services including transportation or mobility assistance, invite an expert to answer questions at a meeting, or share education and awareness materials. Libraries have been very creative. For example, in one community, the library offered to cancel book fines for residents who choose to get vaccinated. Download this one-page factsheet for more ideas on ways to increase COVID-19 vaccination.
What’s the process for a library to request a free mobile vaccination clinic?
Free mobile on-site clinics and vaccination services are available for employers, schools, community and faith-based organizations, and other groups – including libraries. You just need to provide the space. If your library is interested in mobile vaccination services, please use this form to submit a request.
What resources and support does the Mass DPH Vaccine Equity Initiative provide to help libraries host community conversations?
Many community and faith-based organizations, local health centers, and community health workers have been funded by the Vaccine Equity Initiative to support outreach, education, and access to clinics. We encourage you to reach out to organizations in your community. DPH also maintains a guide to hosting a community forum, which is designed for providers, community groups, and others to host local meetings about the COVID-19 vaccine. The guide includes responses to commonly asked questions and can be tailored based on your community’s interests and needs. In addition, if you would like to host a community conversation and need assistance in requesting a clinical expert to attend, please email the Vaccine Equity Initiative for support (VaccineEquityInitiative@mass.gov).
Any guidance to help libraries obtain personal protective equipment (PPE) or COVID-19 test kits for their staff or community?
Libraries, and many other public and non-profit organizations, can order COVID-19 at-home tests at state-negotiated prices. For more details and ordering information please visit: COVID-19 Statewide Contract Resources for Antigen Test Kits. Libraries can also work with their municipality leadership and local boards of health to access PPE and COVID-19 test kits.
Anything else you would like to share?
Thank you for your support in promoting COVID-19 vaccination. We appreciate all that libraries are doing, and we cannot thank you enough for your hard work during this challenging time.
Interview with Katie Stetler, Maternal and Child Health Program Manager, MA DPH, and Massachusetts Department of Public Health Staff
Interviewed by Michelle Eberle, Consultant, Massachusetts Library System
