Montefiore Einstein Receives Federal Grant to Build Trust and Confidence in Vaccines

Albert Einstein College of Medicine is one of five institutions in the United States selected by the Association of American Medical Colleges (AAMC) to receive a Building Trust and Confidence Through Partnerships program grant, funded by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The initiative’s goal is to promote confidence in COVID-19 vaccines and increase routine pediatric vaccinations through the production of vaccine education materials and hosting community events. Brenda I. Anosike, MD, MPH, Pediatrician, Director, Pediatric Antimicrobial Stewardship, Children’s Hospital at Montefiore Einstein, and Assistant Professor, Pediatrics, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, and Christina M. Coyle, MD, MS, Professor, Medicine, Pathology, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, are the Co-principal Investigators on the grant.

With vaccine rates in the Bronx lower than the national average, Albert Einstein College of Medicine is committed to improving vaccine literacy. Since the COVID-19 pandemic, confidence in the value of vaccines has plummeted, which is having a harmful effect on all childhood immunization. As a result, diseases such as measles are having a resurgence, with outbreaks across the country.

As part of the grant, Einstein developed materials to educate children and their parents about the importance of vaccination. Einstein partnered with community organizations, including the Pandemic Project, to produce these materials and host community events.

A health fair, hosted by CARE Hub, offered health screenings, giveaways and activities for children and was attended by community members, Montefiore Einstein faculty and staff. The AAMC highlights Einstein's vaccine education efforts along with its community partners.