Bringing COVID-19 vaccine to medically underserved populations utilizing a community-guided mobile vaccine program

Public Health Nurs. 2023 Nov-Dec;40(6):925-930. doi: 10.1111/phn.13249. Epub 2023 Aug 25.

Abstract

Between March 23, 2021, and December 31, 2022, the Mobile Vaccine Program (MVP) vaccinated 5044 individuals from medically-underserved communities in Middle Tennessee identified through and guided by a collaboration of local community agencies. The primary objective of the MVP was to vaccinate individuals for COVID-19 who had barriers to traditional mass vaccine strategies through community-guided strategies and partnerships. Three strategies were developed and implemented with community partners and their affiliated community health workers (CHWs). The strategies included pop-up vaccination clinics at community partner events, CHW-guided door-to-door in-home vaccination, and community partner-initiated homebound referrals for vaccination.

Keywords: community-based nursing; infectious diseases; partnerships; vaccination.

MeSH terms

  • COVID-19 Vaccines
  • COVID-19* / prevention & control
  • Community Health Workers
  • Humans
  • Medically Underserved Area*
  • Tennessee / epidemiology
  • Vaccination

Substances

  • COVID-19 Vaccines