Vaccination for Justice-Involved Youth

Area of Science:

• Public Health
• Adolescent Health
• Health Equity

Background:

• Justice-involved youth experience higher risks for COVID-19 infection.
• Structural barriers impede vaccination access for justice-involved youth.
• Targeted interventions are crucial to address disparities in vaccine uptake among vulnerable populations.

Purpose of the Study:

• To increase COVID-19 vaccine access and uptake among justice-involved youth in Allegheny County, Pennsylvania.
• To address vaccine hesitancy and logistical barriers within this population.

Main Methods:

• Implemented a multi-component initiative including virtual forums, one-on-one outreach, motivational interviewing, and community-based vaccine clinics.
• Collaborated with a multidisciplinary medical team to provide education and counseling on vaccine safety and efficacy.
• Developed a logistical framework for centralized tracking and administration of the complete COVID-19 vaccine series.

Main Results:

• 31 justice-involved youth received at least one dose of the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine.
• A total of 50 vaccine doses were administered through the initiative.
• Confirmed barriers included limited parental involvement, transportation issues, misinformation, and historical distrust.

Conclusions:

• Equitable vaccination requires partnerships with diverse community members and strengths-based counseling.
• Building provider trustworthiness by acknowledging historical oppression is vital for vulnerable subgroups.
• Tailored, accessible vaccination strategies are essential for justice-involved youth.