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Syringe Service Program Perspectives on Barriers, Readiness, and Programmatic Needs to Support Rollout of the
Maria A Corcorran1, Elizabeth J Austin, Czarina N Behrends
1From the Division of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, WA (MAC, AMJ, NDF, EH, SNG); Department of Health Systems and Population Health, University of Washington, Seattle, WA (EJA, ESB, MCF, ECW); Department of Population Health Sciences, Weill Cornell Medical College, New York, NY (CNB, SNK, BRS); Health Services Research and Development Center of Innovation for Veteran-Centered and Value-Driven Care, Veterans Affairs Puget Sound Health Care System, Seattle, WA (MCF, ECW); Dave Purchase Project, North American Syringe Exchange Network, Tacoma, WA (SMP, PAL); Division of Infectious Diseases, Weill Cornell Medical College, New York, NY (SNK); Center for Drug Use and HIV Research, New York, NY (DCP); Division of Infectious Diseases, Mount Sinai Beth Israel, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY (DCP); and School of Global Public Health, New York University, New York, NY (DCDJ).
Background:
We explored syringe service program (SSP) perspectives on barriers, readiness, and programmatic needs to support coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) vaccine uptake among people who use drugs.
Methods:
We conducted an exploratory qualitative study, leveraging an existing sample of SSPs in the United States. Semistructured, in-depth interviews were conducted with SSP staff between February and April 2021. Interviews were analyzed using a Rapid Assessment Process, an intensive, iterative process that allows for rapid analysis of time-sensitive qualitative data.
Results:
Twenty-seven SSPs completed a qualitative interview. Many SSP respondents discussed that COVID-19 vaccination was not a priority for their participants because of competing survival priorities, and respondents shared concerns that COVID-19 had deepened participant mistrust of health care. Most SSPs wanted to participate in COVID-19 vaccination efforts; however, they identified needed resources, including adequate space, personnel, and training, to implement successful vaccine programs.
Conclusions:
Although SSPs are trusted resources for people who use drugs, many require additional structural and personnel support to address barriers to COVID-19 vaccination among their participants. Funding and supporting SSPs in the provision of COVID-19 prevention education and direct vaccine services should be a top public health priority.
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