19 to Zero: Closing the COVID-19 vaccination gap

Since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic, experts across the country have been working hard to keep us informed and safe. But despite the risks, many Canadians continue to disregard public health recommendations.

Now a grassroots coalition led by a Medical Officer of Health from Alberta, Dr. Jia Hu, have joined forces to improve COVID-related behaviour change. The group includes scientific and clinical experts, as well as internationally renowned specialists in behavioural science and marketing.

Their current focus – vaccine uptake.

“Vaccination is our best chance at ending COVID, but for it to be effective we need to ensure that a large proportion of the population gets vaccinated,” explains Dr. Noah Ivers, an Associate Professor in the DFCM, Family Physician at Women's College Hospital and Canada Research Chair in Implementation of Evidence-based Practice. “Currently, there is a significant gap between vaccination targets, and those willing to get the vaccine.”

As part of the 19 to Zero coalition, Dr. Ivers using his background in evidence-based knowledge translation and implementation science to close this gap. Starting with health care providers themselves.

Dr. Ivers is working to bring the myriad of primary care organizations together - across the province and across the country - to ensure care providers get clear, coordinated, evidence-based information. “We are already receiving questions daily about the vaccine. We need to be that equipped to answer patient questions, especially those who are hesitant. This is more than knowing the facts, this is building the skills and confidence to have these conversations.”

The 19 to Zero coalition is asking healthcare providers to do three things:

• Get educated
• Get vaccinated
• Get skilled

“As family physicians, nearly every patient we see has questions about the vaccine,” says Dr. Ivers. “We need to be role models, be able to articulate how the vaccine works, and provide clear compassionate guidance to those who need it. All primary care providers - family doctors, nurses, pharmacists - we can all have a huge impact because our patients trust us to look out for their best interests. The only effective, safe way to reach herd immunity is through vaccination. Together, we can bring COVID-19 under control.”

In the coming weeks, the group will be posting educational materials for health professionals on the 19 to Zero website and via the Centre for Effective Practice.