An equity-focused approach to improving access to COVID-19 vaccination using mobile health clinics

Abstract

This article describes the implementation of an equity-focused strategy to increase the uptake of COVID-19 vaccination among communities of color and in traditionally underserved geographic areas using mobile health clinics (MHCs). The MHC Vaccination Program was implemented through a large integrated healthcare system in North Carolina using a grassroots development and engagement strategy along with a robust model for data-informed decision support to prioritize vulnerable communities. Several valuable lessons from this work can replicated for future outreach initiatives and community-based programming: •Health systems can no longer operate under the assumption that community members will come to them, particularly those experiencing compounding social and economic challenges. The MHC model had to be a proactive outreach to community members, rather than a responsive delivery mechanism. •Barriers to access included financial, legal, and logistical challenges, in addition to mistrust among historically underserved and marginalized communities. •A MHC model can be adaptable and responsive to data-informed decision-making approaches for targeted service delivery. •A MHC model is not a one-dimensional solution to access, but part of a broader strategy to create diverse points of entry into the healthcare system that fall within the rhythm of life of community members.

Keywords: COVID-19; Community partnerships; Health equity; Mobile healthcare; Vaccination.