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COVID-19 Vaccination Among the Arab Bedouin Population: Lessons Learned From a Minority Population

Authors :
Naim Abu-Freha
Hadel Alsana
Sabri El-Saied
Zuya Azbarga
Muhammad Aloka
Tarek Goda
Muhammad Abu Tailakh
Source :
International Journal of Public Health, Vol 67 (2022)
Publication Year :
2022
Publisher :
Frontiers Media S.A., 2022.

Abstract

Objectives: We investigated the causes of low COVID-19 vaccination rates among a minority population and highlighted interventions for increasing the vaccination rate.Methods: We reviewed the experience during the mass vaccination campaign period among the Arab Bedouin (AB) in Israel, attempting to determine important causes of low vaccination rates and gathered information from real-life experience and through direct contact with the population during the campaign.Results: Causes for low vaccination rates in the AB are related to the health system infrastructure, crisis management strategies, and population characteristics. Long-standing socioeconomic inequalities, limited resources, and language and culture barriers present special challenges to the task of COVID-19 vaccination campaigns. Key interventions for increasing vaccination rates among minority populations include raising awareness, improving vaccination access, and directly targeting risk-groups. To maximize the effectiveness of these interventions they should be culturally adapted and executed according to the needs of each individual target community.Conclusion: Culturally adapted awareness campaigns, interventions, and improved access to vaccines can be accomplished by cooperation between relevant governing and community bodies to increase COVID-19 vaccination rates among minorities.

Details

Language :
English
ISSN :
16618564
Volume :
67
Database :
Directory of Open Access Journals
Journal :
International Journal of Public Health
Publication Type :
Academic Journal
Accession number :
edsdoj.3ec232327b7d415695e3c89c0f95f1f2
Document Type :
article
Full Text :
https://doi.org/10.3389/ijph.2022.1604133