Our researchers will determine the feasibility of using schools as a POD for SARS-CoV-2 vaccine education and distribution in two communities experiencing high rates of SARS-CoV-2 and health disparities. We will use data to model infection susceptibility by both prior COVID infection and vaccine uptake by census tract to identify areas of high priority for COVID vaccination. We will measure vaccination uptake in each community and compare this to control communities Additionally, we will estimate the costs of creating school-based PODs for SARS-CoV-2 vaccine distribution to local communities, tracking all costs for internal and external labor, materials and supplies, and equipment.
Schools as Vaccine Points of Distribution (PODs)
Pillar 1
Pillar 2
Latent psycho-socio-behavioral effects
Public health responses
Need
Recent viral outbreaks of preventable diseases, including SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19), and increasing levels of vaccine hesitancy among populations with health disparities, highlight the need to develop and evaluate strategies to increase vaccine completion. Both logistical challenges and vaccine hesitancy influence this disparity.
Proposed Solution
Schools have been used as PODs for vaccine distribution for children and adolescents but never for adults. We believe that schools can increase vaccine uptake among populations that experience health disparities by using their trusted community status to disseminate accessible scientific information, increasing access, and decreasing cost. Effective measures and trusted sources are essential to address and reduce misinformation, build community trust, and to promote widespread vaccine dissemination, population level uptake, and adherence to vaccination protocols. These measures can decrease health disparities.
Statement of Work
Collaborators
