With COVID-19 vaccine distribution increasing across the country, colleges and universities are looking to address health inequities, accessibility challenges and immunization hesitancy within their local communities.
As part of a long-standing partnership, Temple University’s College of Public Health recently collaborated with the Philadelphia Housing Authority (PHA) to vaccinate essential workers and high-risk populations in public housing.
For many residents, lack of transportation and internet access has hindered their ability to receive a vaccine.
Now clinics, led by Temple faculty and fully trained nursing student volunteers, have been set up at public housing sites around the city of Philadelphia.
“This partnership has successfully brought the vaccination to the most vulnerable population in Philadelphia,” said Nichole L. Tillman, PHA spokesperson. “We have successfully broken down the barriers that have inhibited these residents to get vaccinated at other sites around the city.”
To encourage residents to register for the clinics, PHA resident leader and community outreach workers distribute informational pamphlets, created by medical students at Temple, door-to-door and respond to concerns about the vaccine.
“We are learning from the community that because we are consistent, we are building trust,” said Dr. Susan VonNessen-Scanlin, associate dean of clinical affairs and interprofessional education at Temple’s College of Public Health. “Residents who are hesitant have had an opportunity to see us on multiple occasions, ask questions and have an opportunity to be vaccinated when they are ready.”
