The Impact of Co-Locating Vaccination Services for Underserved Populations

Citation: Sileci, A. C. B., Cioffi, C. C., Trevino, S., Fernandes, L., Capron, C. G., & Mauricio, A. M. (2024). Colocation of COVID-19 vaccination services at syringe service programs for people who inject drugs and people experiencing houselessness in Oregon. Public Health Reports, 1(1), 1–8. https://doi.org/10.1177/00333549241271720

Accessing vaccination services can be challenging for people who inject drugs and those experiencing houselessness due to barriers like housing instability, stigma, and logistical difficulties. One effective way to address these barriers is through frequent co-location—offering vaccines regularly at places already trusted and frequented by underserved groups, such as syringe service programs. This blog summarizes key insights from a study evaluating the impact of co-locating COVID-19 vaccination services at syringe service programs.

What You’ll Learn in This Blog

Common barriers to vaccination among people who inject drugs and those experiencing houselessness
How frequently offering COVID-19 vaccines at syringe service programs can increase vaccine uptake
Practical tips for enhancing vaccination efforts among marginalized communities

What is Co-Location of Vaccination Services?

Co-location means providing vaccines at facilities already offering essential services, such as syringe service programs, where people who use drugs regularly visit for harm reduction supplies and health support. The goal is to make vaccinations easier and more accessible by integrating them into trusted, familiar environments.

Why Accessibility Matters

People who inject drugs and those experiencing houselessness face higher risks from COVID-19 but encounter significant barriers to vaccination. While convenience matters, simply making vaccines available isn't always enough—consistent and repeated access significantly boosts vaccination uptake.

What the Study Found

Frequent Access Matters Most

Participants who visited syringe service program sites multiple times with vaccines available were nearly three times more likely to get vaccinated. Frequent availability may help build trust and gives individuals more chances to make informed decisions.
Just having vaccines available occasionally (or during a single visit) was not enough to significantly increase vaccination rates.

Barriers Identified by Participants

Housing Instability: Those experiencing unstable housing were less likely to get vaccinated.
Age-related Hesitancy: Based on our findings, younger individuals were less likely to get vaccinated compared to older individuals.

Practical Recommendations

Frequent and Consistent Access: Regularly offer vaccines at trusted community spaces to build familiarity and trust.
Partnerships and Trust-Building: Work closely with trusted local organizations that can effectively engage the community and encourage vaccine acceptance.
Address Unique Needs of Unhoused Individuals: Tailor strategies specifically to meet the unique challenges of those experiencing houselessness, such as peer-led outreach and incentive programs.
Engage Younger Populations: Develop age-specific outreach efforts, including social media and peer-led educational campaigns, to increase vaccine uptake among younger individuals.

Moving Forward

Frequent co-location of vaccine services at syringe service programs and community service centers could improve vaccine uptake among underserved groups. To maximize impact, vaccination programs must consistently offer vaccines, focus on building trust, and tailor their strategies to address the specific barriers faced by younger individuals and those experiencing houselessness.

This study, supported by the NIH RADx-UP initiative, analyzed responses from 1,891 participants across nine syringe service program sites in Oregon from July 2021 to March 2022.