- 著者
- Karen E. JOHNSON Li-Chen LIN Shalonda Estelle Brazzell HORTON Ana TODD Nancy GUILLET Stephanie MORGAN
- 出版者
- Disaster Nursing Group
- 雑誌
- Health Emergency and Disaster Nursing (ISSN:21882053)
- 巻号頁・発行日
- vol.9, no.1, pp.23-30, 2022-03-25 (Released:2022-03-25)
- 参考文献数
- 37
- 被引用文献数
- 2
Aim: This paper examines nurse-led interdisciplinary efforts to address COVID-19 vaccine inequities in Texas, United States (US) through the founding of a two-pronged community-based vaccination program, VAMOS-VaxNOW.Methods: Using state/federal reports and guidelines, local/national news sources, and volunteers’ voices, we frame our efforts within the sociopolitical and historical contexts that contributed to the need for VAMOS-VaxNOW.Results: Like most states, Texas distributed most of its vaccine supply to mass hubs that could efficiently serve large amounts of people. Nursing faculty at The University of Texas at Austin quickly recognized the need to expend effort into mobile clinics to reach populations who were likely to face barriers to accessing mass hubs (e.g., language barriers, transportation/mobility limitations, institutional mistrust). Leveraging long-standing relationships with community partners, we launched our first mobile vaccine clinic (VAMOS) with a historically Black church in March, 2021. From there we partnered with other community organizations serving populations experiencing vaccine inequities (e.g., Spanish-speaking churches, apartment complexes) to host mobile clinics. We also began a home visit program (VaxNow) for those facing mobility challenges or other barriers to accessing mass hubs. Our “hub-and-spoke” model was the first of its kind in our community and served as a model for others launching similar efforts.Conclusions: VAMOS-VaxNOW highlights the importance of nurse-led, interdisciplinary disaster response. Early mobilization planning guided by a deep understanding of how present-day and historical inequities shape disaster outcomes, thoughtful leaders collaborating with community partners, compassionate volunteers, and building trust were key factors in leading the successful operation.