Survey Shows Primary Care is Willing to Distribute Vaccines Widely and Equitably
WASHINGTON, February 24, 2021—The Larry A. Green Center, in collaboration with the Primary Care Collaborative (PCC) and 3rd Conversation, today released new data showing that primary care is willing to help meet the nation’s COVID-19 vaccine goals through outreach, education, advocacy and administration of the vaccine. However, primary care is not yet being leveraged for these purposes, despite the rapid ramping up of the vaccines’ distribution.
According to a survey of more than 900 primary care clinicians fielded in mid-February, 89% of clinicians want their practices to be a vaccination site, but only 22% are considered one by their health department, local hospital or health system. Targeting groups that are most vulnerable and in need of the vaccine is a key strategy for addressing vaccine equity, and the survey shows that primary care can assist with this. Over 60% of clinicians surveyed have created eligibility groups and carried out proactive outreach to educate their patients.
“Primary care is the largest platform in our country’s healthcare system,” said Rebecca Etz, PhD, co-director of The Larry A. Green Center. “It has the experience and expertise in administering vaccines as well as established relationships with communities and patients. These are all things we need right now. Americans are desperate to get vaccinated, and primary care is willing, so what are we waiting for?”