Theme: Models of Care Year: 2024
Background: Providing multidisciplinary care for people who use drugs (PWUD) is crucial. Integrating multiple services is key to addressing vaccine disparity among vulnerable populations facing social-structural challenges. In this study, we investigated vaccination rates and identified variables facilitating or hindering COVID-19 vaccination among PWUD in Vancouver’s inner city. We also provided outcomes from our vaccine administration efforts in this area.
Methods: Our team, consisting of healthcare providers (HCPs), conducts weekly Community Pop-up Clinic (CPC) events at single-room occupancy dwellings in Vancouver’s inner city, offering COVID-19 vaccines and related information. Participants completed a survey regarding their COVID-19 vaccination status. We initiated vaccine administration, including COVID-19 and influenza shots. Participants received educational material from our HCPs to address hesitancy, and upon consent, our HCPs administered the vaccine.
Results: From 01/21 to 08/23, we collected data from 892 CPC participants. The median age at baseline was 45 years (IQR 36-55), with 317 (35.5%) females and 285 (31.9%) self-identifying as Indigenous. Within the cohort, 512 (57.4%) reported unstable housing, and 441 (49.5%) were active injection drug users. Regarding COVID-19 vaccinations, 235 (26.3%) were unvaccinated, 119 (13.3%) had received one dose, 423 (48.4%) had received two doses, and 106 (11.8%) had received at least three doses. Variables such as age (AOR 2.28, 95% CI 1.37-3.80, p<0.001) were significantly associated with higher odds of vaccination uptake. Conversely, unstable housing was significantly associated with lower odds of vaccination uptake (AOR 0.53, 95% CI 0.35-0.79, p=0.002). Additionally, from 10/23 to 01/24, we administered 189 influenza shots and 162 COVID-19 shots.
Conclusion: Our study reveals lower vaccination rates among Vancouver’s inner city residents compared to the general population, underscoring the necessity for targeted community initiatives to address vaccine disparity among vulnerable populations. Integrating vaccination into our CPC outreach events illustrates the effectiveness of community-focused, low-barrier healthcare engagement for PWUD.