Using a Telehealth Model to Address Vaccine Hesitancy and Increase Vaccine Completion Among Communities in Southeastern Louisiana

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PROJECT SUMMARY / ABSTRACT – PROJECT 3 The expanded role of pharmacists in the pandemic was demonstrated as both frontline workers in testing and vaccination efforts and clinicians both on the frontline and in remote, telehealth capacities. The impact of a telehealth model on all vaccine uptake, with a target of COVID-19 vaccine uptake, among vaccine hesitant and vaccine resistant individuals is yet unknown among health disparity communities. The objective of this proposal to assess the effectiveness of a pharmacist led telehealth intervention model, embedded in a general health and wellness model on COVID-19 and influenza vaccine uptake in underserved, high risk communities. The central hypothesis is that, based upon our preliminary data from on our ongoing research, that individuals in high risk industries such as beauty, food, transportation, hospitality, nursing/ medical aids and plant workers, all of whom were disproportionately impacted by COVID-19, are less likely to accept a COVID-19 vaccine and influenza vaccines. Also, an established pharmacist led telehealth model that delivers a vaccine education in a larger health and wellness model will increase vaccine uptake, specifically COVID-19 vaccine uptake. The central hypothesis will be tested by 1) assessing vaccine hesitancy via an intake form among eligible participants, 2) implementing an individualized randomized group treatment trial approach where participants will be randomized to the control (telehealth wellness) vs the intervention (telehealth with wellness and vaccination education) over two years. The primary outcome will be COVID-19 vaccine uptake with a secondary outcome of influenza vaccines uptake and vaccine hesitancy. The proposed research is significant because it will determine the effectiveness of pharmacists, who are considered among the most accessible healthcare professionals, and telehealth on increasing vaccinations. The expected outcomes are there will be a 15% increase in vaccine acceptance in the intervention group. The results will have a positive impact in communities that experience vaccine disparities and will serve to inform other healthcare professionals on how to incorporate vaccine education in current telehealth visits. This project will lay the groundwork for a tested vaccine education model to be incorporated in telehealth models that can be delivered to high-risk individuals with decreased access to care and increased risk for COVID-19 and other vaccine preventable diseases, such as influenza. It will also impact the role of pharmacists as the intervention model will be offered through Xavier’s continuing education efforts to prepare pharmacists for their continuing expanding role as vaccine ambassadors.