COVID-19 Vaccination Efforts in Medically Underserved Neighborhoods

Strategic Insights -

Community-based vaccine clinics were implemented in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania to improve access and equity to COVID-19 vaccination, particularly in medically underserved neighborhoods where vaccination rates were lower among Black communities. The initiative delivered 9038 vaccine doses over a 13-month period, with 57% of recipients identifying as Black. This research highlights the importance of community-based vaccination efforts in reducing health disparities and improving public health outcomes.

Key Takeaways:

  • The University of Pennsylvania implemented community-based COVID-19 vaccine clinics in medically underserved neighborhoods in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania to improve access and equity to vaccination.
  • The initiative delivered 9038 vaccine doses over a 13-month period, with 57% of recipients identifying as Black.
  • This research demonstrates the effectiveness of community-based vaccination efforts in reducing health disparities and improving public health outcomes.
  • The Philadelphia Department of Public Health and Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) of the US Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) financially supported this research.
  • The research quotes Rachel Feuerstein-Simon, University of Pennsylvania, Perelman School of Medicine, highlighting the importance of addressing medical exclusion and barriers to access in underserved communities.
  • Additional authors for this research include various experts from the University of Pennsylvania, highlighting the collaborative efforts in this initiative.

Statistics:

  • 9038 vaccine doses were delivered to community members over a 13-month period.
  • 57% of recipients identified as Black.
  • The initiative was implemented in medically underserved neighborhoods in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
  • The research was financially supported by the Philadelphia Department of Public Health and HRSA of the US Department of Health and Human Services (HHS).

Sources:

  • Community-based Covid-19 Vaccine Clinics In Medically Underserved Neighborhoods To Improve Access and Equity, Philadelphia, 2021-2022. American Journal of Public Health, 2022;112(12):1721-1725.
  • NewsRx. Findings from University of Pennsylvania Update Knowledge of COVID-19 (Community-based Covid-19 Vaccine Clinics In Medically Underserved Neighborhoods To Improve Access and Equity, Philadelphia, 2021-2022). Medical Letter on the CDC & FDA. February 19, 2023; p 209.