Prevent and Protect: A Vaccination Initiative for Uninsured Patients at a Student-Run Free Clinic

Area of Science:

• Public Health
• Preventative Medicine
• Health Services Research

Background:

• Uninsured adults often face barriers to vaccination, including cost and access.
• Student-run free clinics aim to bridge gaps in healthcare access for underserved populations.

Purpose of the Study:

• To compare Tdap and pneumococcal vaccination rates at a student-run free clinic with national averages.
• To assess the role of free clinics in improving adult vaccination coverage.

Main Methods:

• Retrospective chart review of 236 adult patients from May 2017 to June 2019.
• Vaccine eligibility determined by CDC guidelines; vaccination history reviewed.
• Calculation of percent up-to-date for Tdap and pneumococcal vaccines.

Main Results:

• BRIDGE Healthcare Clinic showed high vaccination rates: 63.1% for Tdap, 90% for pneumococcal (65+), and 86.5% for pneumococcal (18-64 high-risk).
• These rates met or surpassed 2017 national averages (63.4%, 69%, 24.5% respectively).
• The clinic provided 184 of 197 vaccines administered during the study period.

Conclusions:

• Student-run free clinics are effective in increasing access to preventative healthcare for uninsured adults.
• With adequate funding, these clinics play a crucial role in vaccination efforts.
• Free clinics demonstrate resourcefulness in addressing public health needs.