Accessibility of mass vaccination: a rapid summary

Next update: Update not planned

Contact for queries and feedback

Introduction

We conducted this rapid summary during the early stages of the COVID-19 pandemic.

We aimed to answer the following questions:

• Which groups (especially among likely priority groups) may find it difficult, or may be reluctant, to attend mass venues?
• How might vaccine uptake be maximised in hard-to-reach groups?

Main points

How up to date is this evidence?

This review was conducted in 2020 and includes evidence from 2009 to 2020.

What we found

We found very little research evidence to answer these questions. Thirteen sources were broadly relevant, including surveys, qualitative studies, and case studies. No sources contained UK data.

Hard-to-reach populations include:

• People living in rural communities
• Migrants, nomadic groups, and homeless individuals
• Ethnic minorities and those facing language or cultural barriers
• Housebound individuals with mobility issues or disabilities
• Elderly people living alone
• Undocumented populations
• LGBT individuals (may not seek healthcare)
• People with learning difficulties or disabilities
• People on low incomes or living in poverty

Key messages across the evidence:

• Provide appropriate, sensitive information for different groups
• Use familiar and easily accessible vaccination sites
• Work with trusted community sources
• Offer transport or mobile clinics to improve access

Additional strategies for specific groups:

• Ethnic minorities: Use culturally tailored communication, translators, community champions, and educational campaigns. Share consistent messages through media and social channels.
• Elderly: Hold clinics in familiar locations, organise transport, or offer home vaccinations.
• Homeless: Provide clinics at shelters or places they gather.
• Rural communities: Offer workplace vaccinations or transport to sites.
• Disabled: Use mobile units or home visits and familiar clinic locations.
• Immigrants: Avoid asking about immigration status. Use bilingual health workers and culturally appropriate materials.

What this means

This rapid summary may be useful to identify key points on the topic however, the included research has not been assessed for quality and comes from a wide range of published material.

Technical information

We searched academic databases and grey literature to identify and summarise research evidence to answer the following questions:

• Which groups (especially among likely priority groups) may find it difficult, or may be reluctant, to attend mass venues?
• How might vaccine uptake be maximised in hard-to-reach groups?