Individuals experiencing homelessness are at higher risk for COVID-19 infection. Although immunization against COVID-19 is the most effective means of prevention, there are barriers that impact uptake, such as limited access to healthcare services and concerns about vaccine safety. Results of a recent study lead by Dr. Chelsea Shover, Assistant Professor at the UCLA David Geffen School of Medicine, were recently published in the Journal of Infectious Diseases. Dr. Shover found that it was both feasible and preliminarily effective to utilize peer ambassadors in efforts to provide COVID vaccines. Individuals are generally found to trust information that is provided to them by a peer. She estimated that one additional person was vaccinated for every hour that a peer ambassador participated in the study.

 

For more details on the study and results, click here

About

CBAM is a multidisciplinary center that seeks to advance the prevention and treatment of chronic illnesses, especially in communities with health disparities. As part of the UCLA Department of Family Medicine, CBAM works at the intersection of academia and community with a focus on treating addictions and preventing the spread of HIV.

© The UCLA Center for Behavioral & Addiction Medicine (CBAM). All Rights Reserved.