Back to search

High Uptake and Series Completion of COVID-19 Vaccine at Community-Based Vaccination for Latinos With Limited English Proficiency

Date:

11/01/2022

Locations:

Citation:

Bigelow BF, Saxton RE, Martínez DA, Flores-Miller A, Shin JM, Parent C, Williams S, Phillips KH, Yang C, Page KR. High Uptake and Series Completion of COVID-19 Vaccine at Community-Based Vaccination for Latinos With Limited English Proficiency. J Public Health Manag Pract. 2022 Nov-Dec 01;28(6):E789-E794. doi: 10.1097/PHH.0000000000001625. Epub 2022 Sep 5. PMID: 36074797; PMCID: PMC9528932.

Abstract

Background: Despite the disproportionate impact of COVID-19 on Latinos, there were disparities in vaccination, especially during the early phase of COVID-19 immunization rollout.

Methods: Leveraging a community-academic partnership established to expand access to SARS-CoV2 testing, we implemented community vaccination clinics with multifaceted outreach strategies and flexible appointments for limited English proficiency Latinos.

Results: Between February 26 and May 7 2021, 2250 individuals received the first dose of COVID-19 vaccination during 18 free community events. Among them, 92.4% (95% confidence interval [CI], 91.2%-93.4%) self-identified as Hispanic, 88.7% (95% CI, 87.2%-89.9%) were limited English proficiency Spanish speakers, 23.1% (95% CI, 20.9%-25.2%) reported prior COVID-19 infection, 19.4% (95% CI, 16.9%-22.25%) had a body mass index of more than 35, 35.0% (95% CI, 32.2%-37.8%) had cardiovascular disease, and 21.6% (95% CI, 19.2%-24.0%) had diabetes. The timely second-dose completion rate was high (98.7%; 95% CI, 97.6%-99.2%) and did not vary by outreach method.

Conclusion: A free community-based vaccination initiative expanded access for Latinos with limited English proficiency at high risk for COVID-19 during the early phase of the immunization program in the US.

View Full Research Publication

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/36074797/