Jurisdiction
Washington
Strategy
Launch a mobile COVID-19 vaccine program, Care-a-Van, to increase access to individuals at higher risk of disease.
Challenge
COVID-19 disproportionately affects individuals who are at a higher risk of disease. This increase in risk is associated with the impact the virus has on vulnerable groups, such as older adults and those with underlying medical conditions. Increased risk is also associated with system inequities and historical and current barriers to accessing critical health information, such as race or ethnicity, language, culture, nationality, immigration status, or disability status.
Solution
The Washington Department of Health partnered with community organizations, local health organizations, and Tribal partners, among others, to provide mobile vaccination clinic events in communities that are disproportionately impacted by COVID-19. Areas where events are held are prioritized based on several factors, including vaccination rates and gaps, ranking on the Social Vulnerability Index (SVI), and communities overrepresented in COVID-19 cases, hospitalizations, and deaths. Mobile vaccination clinics are offered in community centers, parks, houses of faith, schools, and other community locations. This program began in June 2021 and is ongoing. Funding for this program comes from FEMA emergency funds supporting the COVID-19 response.
Outcome
As of June 2022, there have been 475 events supported by Care-a-Van, with 17,965 vaccine doses administered. 3,541 of those doses were pediatric, and 8,921 were COVID-19 booster doses. Further, 65% of Care-a-Van events served a majority BIPOC community, and 80% of events were in areas ranked moderate or high on the Social Vulnerability Index (SVI). Some best practices from this project include consistency in event time and locations, distributing gift cards, items for children, and other rewards, and conducting research and community engagement.
Supplemental Materials
