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Advancing COVID-19 Vaccination Equity Among the Refugee Community: An Innovative Multi-Sector Collaborative Outreach Program.
- Source :
-
Journal of health care for the poor and underserved [J Health Care Poor Underserved] 2022; Vol. 33 (4S), pp. 25-43. - Publication Year :
- 2022
-
Abstract
- Introduction: Multi-sector outreach collaborations have the potential to improve COVID-19 vaccine access among underserved populations, including refugees.<br />Methods: Using a four-pronged strategy, we offered the local refugee community COVID-19 vaccine appointments within the next week.<br />Results: Over a thousand (1,327) individuals from more than 20 countries were identified; mean age 36.5 (SD=16.4); 55% female. Initially, 613 (46%) reported being scheduled/vaccinated prior to outreach efforts; 312 (24%) appointments were scheduled that resulted from outreach efforts. By February 2022, 895 (67.4%) of the 1,327 patients had at least one dose; the majority of these were Pfizer (n=750, 84%). Of 895 with first dose, 843 completed two-dose series (94.2%). Overall completion rate of initial series was 63.5%. Reasons for declining (171, 13%) included wanting to speak with a physician or family member first; pregnancy hesitation; postponing until after Ramadan.<br />Discussion: Although lower than local and state rates, this refugee community's COVID-19 vaccine uptake is on par with the overall population in the United States (65.8%). Because of COVID-19's disproportionately negative impact on refugee and other underserved populations, we offer recommendations for future equity-informed efforts.
Details
- Language :
- English
- ISSN :
- 1548-6869
- Volume :
- 33
- Issue :
- 4S
- Database :
- MEDLINE
- Journal :
- Journal of health care for the poor and underserved
- Publication Type :
- Academic Journal
- Accession number :
- 36533457
- Full Text :
- https://doi.org/10.1353/hpu.2022.0157