The University of Iowa Prevention Research Center for Rural Health (PRC-RH) has developed a new fact sheet, “Creating a Welcoming and Accessible Vaccination Site,” for pharmacists and other vaccine providers. The fact sheet highlights the key barriers faced by certain populations and provides strategies to address those barriers.

Populations who may experience inequities in vaccine access and uptake include people living in rural areas, racial and ethnic minorities, immigrant and migrant populations, and people with disabilities. Some potential barriers include lack of transportation, lost wages for time off work, literacy challenges, and accessibility issues.

“The environment in which a vaccine is administered is important, as the experience individuals have here could impact their willingness to receive a vaccine in the future,” the fact sheet notes.

The fact sheet information is applicable to all vaccinations, not just COVID-19, and can be used by vaccine providers in all states.

The fact sheet is a new addition to the free, online toolkit titled “Pharmacists’ Guide to Increasing Equitable Access to COVID-19 Vaccines.” The toolkit was created by the PRC-RH in partnership with Iowa Public Health Association, Iowa Immunizes, and Iowa Pharmacy Association.