Making it easy for young people ages 12 through 16 in Elizabeth, N.J., to get vaccinated for COVID-19

The Foundation's New Jersey Health Initiative was designed to support innovative community-based projects in New Jersey that address one or more of the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation's interest areas in health and health care.This grant supports Groundwork Elizabeth in coordinating distribution of COVID-19 vaccines to 2,700 youths ages 12 to 16 in Elizabeth, NJ, a community with one of the lowest vaccination rates in the state. Groundwork will partner on this project with Trinitas Regional Medical Center, the Housing Authority of the City of Elizabeth, health departments in Elizabeth and Union Counties, the Gateway Family YMCA, and the Shaping Elizabeth coalition. Partners will lead a campaign to educate youths on the benefits of the COVID-19 vaccine and to create pop-up clinics for youths' vaccinations. Groundwork will develop a social media campaign to engage youths and to track participation among Elizabeth youths in getting vaccinated. Youth participants will have the opportunity to: (1) share photos and videos to generate interest and understanding among their peers; (2) receive prizes for social media engagement; and (3) participate in a project video. Funds will be used for project staffing (including employing youths); educational materials; incentives; video production; and evaluation. Vaccines will be provided by the New Jersey Department of Health; grant funds will not be used to purchase vaccines.