Applications of an Equity Framework in COVID-19 Vaccine Trial and Distribution Planning

Alysia Davis; Dara D Mendez

doi:10.1089/heq.2021.0122

Applications of an Equity Framework in COVID-19 Vaccine Trial and Distribution Planning

Health Equity. 2022 Jan 25;6(1):55-58. doi: 10.1089/heq.2021.0122. eCollection 2022.

Authors

Alysia Davis¹, Dara D Mendez²

Affiliations

¹ Equity Consultant and Maternal Child Health Advocate, Best4Baby, LLC, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA.
² Department of Epidemiology, Graduate School of Public Health, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA.

Abstract

There are a disproportionate number of cases, hospitalizations, and deaths among Black and Latinx communities, a result of a history of structural racism and exploitation. An equity framework and approach are critical but have been lacking in the COVID-19 response, including vaccine dissemination. We provide an overview and application of remove, repair, remediate, restructure, and provide (R4P), an equity framework, in examining COVID-19 vaccine trial development and related interventions. R4P is an equity framework and tool that applies critical race theory, intersectional, and dimensionality in planning, assessment, and research for creating action to eliminate inequities.

Keywords: COVID-19; racism; systemic oppression; trustworthiness; vaccine research; vaccine trial.