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Optimizing Access to the COVID-19 Vaccination for People Experiencing Homelessness

Author

Listed:
  • Jane Currie

    (School of Nursing, Queensland University of Technology, Kelvin Grove, Brisbane 4059, Australia
    Homeless Health Service, St Vincent’s Hospital Sydney, 390 Victoria Street, Darlinghurst, Sydney 2010, Australia)

  • Olivia Hollingdrake

    (School of Nursing, Queensland University of Technology, Kelvin Grove, Brisbane 4059, Australia)

  • Elizabeth Grech

    (School of Nursing, Queensland University of Technology, Kelvin Grove, Brisbane 4059, Australia)

  • Georgia McEnroe

    (School of Nursing, Queensland University of Technology, Kelvin Grove, Brisbane 4059, Australia)

  • Lucy McWilliams

    (Homeless Health Service, St Vincent’s Hospital Sydney, 390 Victoria Street, Darlinghurst, Sydney 2010, Australia)

  • Dominic Le Lievre

    (Homeless Health Service, St Vincent’s Hospital Sydney, 390 Victoria Street, Darlinghurst, Sydney 2010, Australia)

Abstract

The success of the Australian COVID-19 vaccination strategy rested on access to primary healthcare. People experiencing or at risk of homelessness are less likely to access primary healthcare services. Therefore, leaders in homeless health service delivery in Sydney identified the need to develop a vaccine hub specifically for this vulnerable population. The aim of this study was to develop an evidenced based model of care to underpin the Vaccine Hub and optimize access to vaccination for people experiencing or at risk of homelessness. A mixed methods study was conducted that included interviews with key stakeholders involved in establishing and delivering the Inner City COVID-19 Vaccine Hub, and a survey with people receiving COVID-19 vaccination. Over the 6-month period of this study, 4305 COVID-19 vaccinations were administered. Participants receiving vaccination reported feeling safe in the Vaccine Hub and would recommend it to others. Stakeholders paid tribute to the collective teamwork of the Vaccine Hub, the collaboration between services, the ‘no wrong door’ approach to increasing access and the joy of being able to support such a vulnerable population in challenging times. The study findings have been populated into a Vaccination Hub Blueprint document that can be used as a template for others to improve access to vaccinations for vulnerable populations.

Suggested Citation

  • Jane Currie & Olivia Hollingdrake & Elizabeth Grech & Georgia McEnroe & Lucy McWilliams & Dominic Le Lievre, 2022. "Optimizing Access to the COVID-19 Vaccination for People Experiencing Homelessness," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 19(23), pages 1-16, November.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jijerp:v:19:y:2022:i:23:p:15686-:d:984456
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    Cited by:

    1. Attwell, Katie & Turvey, Jake & Wood, Lisa, 2024. "COVID-19 vaccination of at-risk and marginalised groups: recentering the state in vaccine uptake," Social Science & Medicine, Elsevier, vol. 348(C).

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