Communities of color, in particular Latinos and the immigrant community, have been disproportionately impacted by COVID-19. According to the CDC (Dec. 4, 2020), Latinos, although only about 18.9% of the U.S. overall population, represent 24% of COVID-19 cases and 15% of COVID-19 deaths in the U.S. With Latinos 4.1 times more likely to be hospitalized than any other group, COVID-19 has exacerbated existing disparities among communities of color and highlighting a legacy of structural racism with respect to health care and coverage, along with other factors associated with the social determinants of health. While the coronavirus poses challenges for many, it presents unique and significant challenges for Latinos, especially the undocumented, legal immigrants, and their U.S. citizen family members. 

 The COVID-19 Vaccine Training for Housing Counselors is FREE and aims to increase knowledge and confidence in the safety and efficacy of the vaccine, and its uptake among Latinos from trusted community voices.  

 The training series is part of UnidosUS Esperanza Hope for All –a campaign aims to mitigate the health, economic and education effects of the coronavirus pandemic on Latinos, and builds on the organization’s national advocacy and public health response to the pandemic that has a core focus on promoting vaccine equity.  

Upon training completion, participants will be able to: 

• Use simple language to describe the vaccines safety and efficacy, including their development, clinical trials processes, Emergency Use Authorization (EUA) mechanism to provide approval for COVID-19 vaccines, and general storage and handling.  
• Answer frequently asked questions about the vaccines to help community members make informed decisions about getting immunized. 
• Use cultural relevant and science-based messages to inform individuals and families about importance of getting vaccinated for better health.  
• Use traditional and social media and face-to face outreach (if safe to do so) to expand campaign messages.