Testimonials and Navigation in Rheumatology

Improving COVID-19 Vaccine Uptake Among Racial and Ethnic Minority Groups With Rheumatic Diseases

The overall goal of this study is to determine whether a novel, multi-modal, patient-directed behavioral intervention initiated in rheumatology clinics is an effective approach to improve uptake of updated COVID-19 vaccine.

Black and Latinx persons are at higher risk for certain autoimmune and inflammatory rheumatic diseases (AIRD) and have experienced worse COVID-19 outcomes compared to their white counterparts. Given the risks of severe COVID-19 outcomes such as hospitalization and death in people with AIRD, COVID-19 vaccine is recommended in this population. Historically, overall vaccine uptake among people with AIRDs has been low, and this vaccine reluctance has extended to COVID-19 vaccination. While additional COVID-19 vaccine doses have offered considerable added protection against severe outcomes, only 20% of all vaccinated persons in Alabama (AL) and 45% in Massachusetts have obtained an additional dose of COVID-19 vaccine as of October 2022. Racial and ethnic minority groups have faced disparities in obtaining subsequent COVID-19 vaccines, particularly in under-resourced communities, including those in Alabama and Massachusetts. Together, these obstacles exacerbate existing health inequities among people of color and perpetuate worse COVID-19 outcomes.

We will conduct a randomized controlled study to test an intervention that seeks to address gaps in COVID-19 vaccine information and access inequities common in Black and Latinx populations.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Adults (18+ years) with known AIRD
• Black race and/or Latinx ethnicity
• Individuals who have not obtained the updated COVID-19 vaccine series (self-report)

Exclusion Criteria:

-Lack of access to phone