Vaccination Champions.

Could you be a Vaccination Champion?

The Vaccine Champion programme is managed by the NHS Devon Vaccination Optimisation and Communications and Engagement Teams.

The role of Vaccine Champion is voluntary, and activities take place in response to requests from the community and the media. There is no minimum time commitment and Champions always have a choice about which activities they undertake.

What is the volunteer Vaccination Champions programme?

The NHS in Devon is asking people from the health and social care and VCSE sector to volunteer as Vaccination Champions as part of our work to address inequalities amongst our under-served communities. 

We are developing a network of Champions across Devon, who represent the communities where there is lower uptake of the vaccination. These trusted Champions are working with local groups to provide information and reassurance.

Specifically, our Champions are from the following communities: 

  • Ethnically Diverse
  • Gypsy, Roma, Traveller
  • People with Learning Disabilities / Neurodiversity / mental illness
  • Women of childbearing age
  • LGBTQ+

What type of activities will Champions undertake?

Champions always have a choice about which activities they undertake. These are some examples of the activities they could do to give you an idea of what is involved: 

  • Communicating with and/or attending relevant community groups, such as those held by local churches, or other local organisations.
  • Using their (and their organisation’s) social media profile to help distribute information where possible.
  • Undertaking media interviews (TV/radio etc) as a representative of their community (media training will be provided if needed)
  • Providing insight on what is causing low vaccine confidence in different communities.
  • Identifying opportunities and channels to share information with those that need it most.

How we support the Vaccination Champions

  • Giving access to all materials and information, including those in different languages as required
  • Providing media and interview training and support where required / requested.
  • Providing social media training where required
  • Providing access to the existing contacts in their area, along with key names/groups and contact details (where available)
  • Facilitating access to the network of Champions to support each other and share good practice.
  • Providing specialised training by healthcare professionals to learn about the importance of vaccinations, how they work, and the benefits of getting vaccinated where required/requested.
  • Providing Language and Cultural Competency training where required/requested.

We are truly grateful for the work of the Vaccine Champions, their support for this programme will make a huge difference and enable so many more people to access the vaccination.

If you are interested in becoming a Vaccination Champion, or are interested in supporting this work, please contact the Vaccination Optimisation Team.

Previous vaccine ambassadors work

Here are some examples of our previous work with Covid-19 Vaccine Ambassadors to promote Covid-19 vaccine uptake in ethnically diverse groups.