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Latincouver has recently had the remarkable opportunity to host a virtual panel discussion that brought together experts and community leaders. The topic of the debate was the Best Practices for Inclusive Vaccination. Latincouver had the honour to welcome an audience of key representatives from Latinx, Indigenous and newcomer communities, as well as our knowledgeable panelists:
Dr. Jorge Filmus
Dr. Jorge Filmus, Professor at the Department of Medical Biophysics at the University of Toronto, and a dedicated member of the Latin American Covid Task Force. Dr. Filmus has been at the forefront of public health education, sharing knowledge through countless seminars and webinars focused on COVID-19 and vaccination.”
Duberlis Ramos
Executive Director of the Hispanic Development Council. With over three decades of leadership in advocacy and community development, Duberlis’ work focuses on health equity, inclusion, and policy change for the Latinx community. His recent work has centered on improving immunization uptake and addressing social determinants of health.”
Dr. Kelly McNagny
“Joining us as well is Dr. Kelly McNagny, Professor of Medical Genetics and Biomedical Engineering at UBC. Dr. McNagny’s research into immunology and inflammatory diseases offers invaluable context for today’s conversation.”
Lou Chan
Project Coordinator for the Immunization Partnership Fund at SUCCESS. Lou works closely with immigrant and BIPOC communities, ensuring vaccine outreach is culturally responsive and community-driven.”
Dr. Irene Santos
Public Health expert with over 25 years of experience supporting newcomer health through her work at Umbrella Multicultural Health Co-op. Dr. Santos is a leader in culturally competent health education and immunization promotion.”
Antonio Arreaga-Valdes
Honorary Consul General of Costa Rica in Vancouver. Antonio brings a wealth of experience in international collaboration, health initiatives, and cultural exchange, including pioneering immunization awareness efforts in partnership with community groups.”
Sofia Tremino, a representative from Latincouver, led a compelling discussion on the current state of vaccination efforts. The conversation featured expert panelists who shared valuable insights on promoting immunization, addressing vaccine hesitancy, and implementing effective vaccination campaigns. This article summarizes the key takeaways, highlighting best practices for fostering inclusive vaccination efforts within communities and identifying common challenges in vaccine acceptance.
Best Practices & Insights to Promote Vaccination
Successful vaccination campaigns depend on strong community partnerships and sustained collaboration. Consistently sharing reliable health information has proven to be an effective approach, as demonstrated by initiatives that provided weekly publications throughout the pandemic. A promising proposal from the panel was the establishment of a national Latinx health observatory, which could strengthen connections with public health institutions and lead to more effective vaccination strategies.
Trust and clear communication emerged as essential pillars of vaccine promotion. Many people remain skeptical of medical advice, making it crucial to understand where they seek information and how to engage with them effectively. Using simple, accessible language, involving trusted specialists, and creating open forums for discussion were identified as key strategies to build confidence. Providing immunization workshops in native languages and offering translation services ensures that individuals can better understand vaccination benefits and how they fit into Canada’s healthcare system.
Community-driven strategies also play a crucial role in increasing vaccine uptake. Trusted figures, such as consular representatives, community leaders, and local organizations, serve as effective messengers for public health initiatives. Social media platforms in Spanish, alongside targeted outreach to groups like seniors and temporary foreign workers, help maintain ongoing communication. Creating safe spaces for community dialogue allows individuals to ask questions and have their concerns addressed, reinforcing a sense of inclusion and reassurance.
Addressing vaccine hesitancy and fatigue requires an understanding of the unique concerns and lived experiences of different communities. Many newcomers carry historical trauma from their home countries, where government-led health initiatives were often met with skepticism. To overcome this, outreach strategies must be tailored to diverse cultural backgrounds, considering factors such as language preferences, work schedules, and existing beliefs. The panel emphasized the importance of reinforcing the collective responsibility of vaccination, particularly its role in protecting vulnerable individuals, such as those with cancer or autoimmune diseases. This perspective can shift attitudes and encourage higher vaccine participation.
Barriers to Vaccination
Many individuals remain wary of vaccine safety and efficacy, a skepticism fueled by past experiences and reinforced by the rapid spread of misinformation. Social media plays a significant role in this, as many people are exposed to misleading narratives—often originating from countries where vaccine opposition is more prominent.
Misinformation remains a persistent challenge, making media engagement a crucial tool in countering vaccine hesitancy. Effective strategies to combat false narratives include providing factual, accessible content through trusted sources such as community-led health updates and Spanish-language videos featuring medical professionals. The panelists stressed that building trust within the community is essential—when people feel heard and included in the conversation, they are more likely to support vaccination efforts.
Another significant challenge is the lack of familiarity with Canada’s public health system. Many recent immigrants are unsure of how vaccination programs work or where to access services. Language barriers and unfamiliarity with medical procedures prevent some individuals from seeking healthcare. The presence of specialists who can directly engage with the community is crucial, yet there is often a disconnect between healthcare professionals and the populations they serve. Bridging this gap requires integrating public health institutions, academics, and community networks to create a more inclusive approach.
Economic and logistical barriers also contribute to low vaccination rates. Some individuals cannot take time off work to attend vaccination clinics, while others may lack transportation or childcare options. Addressing these obstacles requires flexible clinic hours, multilingual outreach campaigns, and a sustained effort to build trust between public health authorities and communities.
Moving Forward: A Call for Collaboration
Overcoming vaccine hesitancy and increasing uptake depend on a combination of trust-building, education, and accessibility. By working together—across community organizations, healthcare institutions, and public health agencies—society can create more inclusive strategies to ensure that everyone has the information, resources, and support needed to make informed health decisions. Vaccination is not just a personal choice; it is a collective responsibility that strengthens and protects entire communities.
