Promising Practices Observed in High-Throughput COVID-19 Vaccination Sites in the United States, February-May 2021.

Abstract

<b>Objectives.</b> To identify promising practices for implementing COVID-19 vaccination sites. <b>Methods.</b> The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) assessed high-throughput COVID-19 vaccination sites across the United States, including Puerto Rico, after COVID-19 vaccinations began. Site assessors conducted site observations and interviews with site staff. Qualitative data were compiled and thematically analyzed. <b>Results.</b> CDC and FEMA conducted 134 assessments of high-throughput vaccination sites in 25 states and Puerto Rico from February 12 to May 28, 2021. Promising practices were identified across facility, clinical, and cross-cutting operational areas and related to 6 main themes: addressing health equity, leveraging partnerships, optimizing site design and flow, communicating through visual cues, using quick response codes, and prioritizing risk management and quality control. <b>Conclusions.</b> These practices might help planning and implementation of future vaccination operations for COVID-19, influenza, and other vaccine-preventable diseases. <b>Public Health Implications.</b> These practices can be considered by vaccination planners and providers to strengthen their vaccination site plans and implementation of future high-throughput vaccination sites. (<i>Am J Public Health.</i> 2023;113(8):909-918. https://doi.org/10.2105/AJPH.2023.307331).