COVID-19 Vaccine Education at the Point of Testing to Increase Vaccine Uptake in Vulnerable Communities in SE Louisiana

COVID-19 Vaccine Education at the Point of Testing to Increase Vaccine Uptake in Vulnerable Communities in SE Louisiana

COVID-19 Vaccine Education at the Point of Testing to Increase Vaccine Uptake in Vulnerable Communities in Southeastern Louisiana

This project is a 2-year study to investigate vaccine hesitancy and vaccine completion among vulnerable communities in the Southeastern Louisiana region. This study will be used to track COVID-19 vaccine completion among patients who seek testing, either as in-person or purchasing at home COVID testing, from pharmacies, urgent cares and clinics. The proposal will introduce a rapid vaccination education model to be delivered at the point of COVID-19 testing by pharmacy students, pharmacy technicians, nurse's aides and other health care personnel and includes monitoring for COVID-19 vaccine completion among enrolled patients. Investigators anticipate an increase in COVID-19 vaccine completion rates for those who participate in the rapid vaccination education model.

Vaccine Completion, COVID19 Testing, COVID19 Education, Point of Care Testing, Healthcare Personnel Education, Healthcare Disparities

Vaccine education will be focused on addressing misinformation and concerns in a culturally competent manner with referral to resources. The vaccine education model will be translated to reach minority groups including African Americans, Vietnamese Americans and Hispanic Americans.

A rapid vaccination education model to be delivered at the point of COVID-19 testing by pharmacy students, pharmacy technicians, nurse's aides and other health care personnel. The intervention will include: 1) 15 minute vaccine counseling, 2) print material 3) referral to a dedicated vaccine website with feedback forums and 4) opportunity to sign-up for one-on-one vaccine counseling with a clinical pharmacist

Measured on a 5-point scale indicating likelihood to be vaccinated. The scale ranges from 1 (Not at all likely to be vaccinated), 2 (Not likely to be vaccinated), 3 (No opinion/Undecided about vaccination), 4 (Likely to be vaccinated) to 5 (Very likely to be vaccinated)

Inclusion Criteria: Unvaccinated adult participants, 18-99 years of age, able to provide informed consent, and to communicate in English, Spanish or Arabic. Also, individuals with incomplete vaccination (primary series or COVID-19 booster). Exclusion Criteria: Persons fully vaccinated for COVID-19 (including primary series and boosters), persons with any documented allergies to components of the COVID-19 vaccines, or contraindications to receiving a COVID-19 vaccine.