COVID Vaccine Education Efforts and Uptake Among People Experiencing Homelessness in Charlottesville

Objectives: Address questions about COVID-19 vaccination among people experiencing homelessness in Charlottesville before initial vaccine distribution.
Methods: As an extension of existing homeless health outreach services, a team of seven University of Virginia medical students and one undergraduate student offered ten educational outreach sessions at three local shelters over two weeks to promote COVID-19 vaccination events and combat vaccine hesitancy and misinformation. These outreach sessions involved 1-2 students approaching shelter guests to discuss their COVID-19 vaccine hesitancies and collect information for vaccine registration. The team created and distributed informational posters addressing common myths about the vaccines in plain language. The team also assisted with coordination of on-site vaccination events.
Results: The team recorded discussions with eighty-four guests; 62% viewed the vaccine positively, 25% negatively, and 13% were uncertain. Reasons for vaccine hesitancy included being young and healthy, previous COVID infection, distrust of rapid vaccine development, and fears of side effects. After four shelter- based vaccination events, an estimated 81% of the city’s approximately 160 homeless individuals received one dose, and 76% received a second dose.
Conclusions: The team used a multi-pronged approach to vaccine education that utilized existing relationships with people experiencing homelessness built from previously established health outreach teams. These efforts likely contributed to the high rates of vaccination in Charlottesville's homeless population, demonstrating the importance of a face-to-face approach in combating vaccine hesitancy and improving access among vulnerable populations. This project highlights unique opportunities for medical students to take an active role in resolving healthcare disparities.

2022 UVA Health Disparities Conference - Breakout Session 3: Charlottesville Health Initiatives and Community Projects