March 15, 2022: City Looks to Boost COVID Vaccination RatesGotham Gazette

The health department has held over 24,000 events, including virtual forums and in-person town halls, with CBOs and faith organizations, and knocked on over 1.7 million doors to raise awareness about the vaccine. That model has worked well in Flushing, Queens, according to City Council Member Sandra Ung, who has represented the predominantly Chinese and Korean district since January. Vaccination rates in the district are well above the city average, in some areas reaching as high as 99% of residents. “What was helpful in this district was really working with the CBOs,” Ung said in an interview, and “understanding who the communities trust. Let those people be the messengers rather than New York City itself,” she said.