Strategies Used by Community-Based Organizations to Expand Access to Seasonal Vaccinations for Native American, Asian American, Black, and Latinx Populations.

Brewster, Amanda L; Guadamuz, Jenny S; Lo, Christine H; Sachdeva, Ishika; Staiger, Becky; Wilson, Traci L · Am J Public Health · 2026

cross_sectional · Level IV

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Abstract

<b>Objectives.</b> To analyze whether and how the Aging and Disability Vaccination Collaborative (ADVC) counteracted seasonal vaccination disparities for Asian American, Black, Latinx, and Native American populations. <b>Methods.</b> We performed a cross-sectional analysis of 6032 vaccination events organized by 168 community-based organizations (CBOs) through the ADVC (2023-2025). We calculated representation ratios comparing event demographics to county demographics to identify events that counteracted disparities by overrepresenting minoritized populations. Qualitative interviews provided context. <b>Results.</b> Overall, 69% of events counteracted disparities for at least 1 population: 27.4% for Native Americans, 19.0% for Asian Americans, 33.7% for Black populations, and 20.8% for Latinx populations. Gift cards were associated with overrepresenting Black (odds ratio [OR] = 2.54; <i>P</i> < .001) and Latinx populations (OR = 2.01; <i>P</i> = .048). Intentional targeting was associated with overrepresentation for Native American (OR = 2.49; <i>P</i> = .047) and Asian American populations (OR = 6.53; <i>P</i> < .001). Interviews emphasized the importance of trust-based partnerships with culturally connected organizations. <b>Conclusions.</b> CBO-centered vaccination approaches counteracted racial/ethnic disparities through partnerships with cultural organizations and social services. <b>Public Health Implications.</b> ADVC provides a template for scaling up CBO-led partnerships with public health and health care that could apply to state or local levels. (<i>Am J Public Health</i>. 2026;116(S3): S171-S180. https://doi.org/10.2105/AJPH.2026.308580).

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