Multiple emergency room patients are found to be lacking in the recommended vaccinations, with about ninety percent falling short.
In a groundbreaking study, researchers have identified strategies to increase vaccination rates among underserved communities, including African Americans, uninsured individuals, and those without a primary care provider. The study, co-authored by researchers from various institutions, found that nearly 9 in 10 emergency department (ED) patients have not received one or more recommended vaccines.
The study, titled "Emergency Department Survey of Vaccination Knowledge, Vaccination Coverage, and Willingness to Receive Vaccines in an Emergency Department Among Underserved Populations," was published in MMWR Morb Mortal Wkly Rep in 2025. Led by Dr. Robert Rodriguez at UC Riverside, the research team included Dr. Jesus R. Torres from UCLA, Dr. Brian Chinnock, and others. The study was a national comprehensive vaccine surveillance study conducted in emergency departments across eight U.S. cities and was partially funded by a grant from the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases.
The study focused on underserved populations who rely on emergency departments as their primary healthcare access point. Between April and December 2024, the study surveyed 3,285 non-critically ill adult patients visiting 10 emergency departments. About half of these patients were unaware that vaccines recommended for them even existed. Approximately half of unvaccinated participants in the study expressed willingness to receive vaccines if offered during their ED visit.
Strategies for delivering vaccines to underserved communities include expanding vaccine access through community-based and healthcare system collaborations, comprehensive vaccine screening in EDs, and outreach efforts that bring vaccines directly to where people live.
Community-based collaborative vaccination programs offer vaccines not only in traditional healthcare settings but also in community centers, low-income senior housing, pharmacies, and even patients' homes. Partnerships among pharmacy schools, community wellness hubs, Meals-on-Wheels programs, community pharmacies, primary care practices, and community health workers help overcome access barriers by meeting people where they live, especially older adults and those with disabilities.
Expanded vaccine screening and referral in Emergency Departments can identify those who are not up to date on vaccines. Since many vaccines may not be available directly in EDs, programs should include referrals to pharmacies, clinics, and other sites for vaccine administration. Automating screening and mobile outreach are future directions to reduce labor intensity and reach patients who cannot visit EDs.
Facilitated assistance services increase vaccination uptake among underserved populations by providing help with vaccine scheduling, transportation, and other referrals.
Use of mobile clinics and outreach expands vaccination access in hard-to-reach rural, tribal, and socioeconomically challenged areas by providing direct service delivery in those locations.
Building vaccine awareness and education is crucial for increasing vaccine acceptance and uptake among adults in underserved populations. Education campaigns in local languages through trusted healthcare providers and community leaders are vital to improve vaccine knowledge.
Leveraging innovative vaccine delivery technologies can facilitate easier, safer, and more acceptable vaccine delivery with less dependency on infrastructure, which can be especially advantageous in low-resource underserved communities. Examples include next-generation technologies such as microneedle patches, oral vaccines, thermostable formulations, and digital adherence tools.
If implemented widely, ED-based vaccine programs could increase fully vaccinated rates to as high as 48%, more than tripling current rates. The study demonstrates that emergency departments could serve as a powerful tool for advancing health equity, particularly for historically underserved communities.
- The healthcare industry must continue investing in health research to find new strategies for increasing vaccination rates among underserved communities.
- Scientists should focus on developing innovative vaccine delivery technologies to ensure easier, safer, and more acceptable vaccine delivery in low-resource communities.
- Sleep is essential for overall health and wellness, but many adults in underserved populations are not getting enough sleep due to work-related stress and other factors.
- Workplace-wellness programs can help improve sleep quality by promoting stress management techniques and encouraging regular exercise.
- Chronic diseases such as diabetes and heart disease disproportionately affect underserved communities, exacerbating health disparities.
- Cancer research must focus on finding effective therapies and treatments for everyone, regardless of their economic status or race.
- Respiratory conditions like asthma and COPD are common among underserved populations and can be exacerbated by poor air quality and lack of access to medical care.
- Digestive health issues are prevalent in underserved communities and can lead to serious complications if left untreated.
- Eye-health screenings and education campaigns in local languages are crucial for improving vision health among adults in underserved populations.
- Hearing loss affects over 48 million Americans, and this number is expected to grow as the population ages.
- Aging presents unique health challenges, including declining cognitive function, mobility issues, and increased vulnerability to chronic diseases.
- Mental-health disorders such as depression and anxiety are common among underserved populations and often go untreated due to lack of access to healthcare.
- Men's health issues like prostate cancer and testicular cancer require regular screening and early detection for effective treatment.
- Skin-care products must be accessible and affordable for everyone, including those in underserved communities who may be at higher risk for skin conditions due to poor nutrition and environmental factors.
- Therapies and treatments for autoimmune disorders like lupus and rheumatoid arthritis can be costly and not always covered by insurance, creating barriers to care for underserved populations.
- Climate change affects health by exacerbating air pollution, spreading vector-borne diseases, and increasing the risk of extreme weather events.
- Manufacturing processes can contribute to air and water pollution, putting workers and nearby communities at risk for respiratory and digestive health problems.
- Adequate mental-health services are crucial for maintaining wellness and preventing chronic diseases in the workplace.
- Entrepreneurship in the healthcare industry can lead to innovative solutions to healthcare disparities, particularly for underserved communities.
- Small businesses face unique challenges when navigating the complex healthcare system, including understanding the affordable care act and finding affordable insurance options.
- Investing in mental-health services and wellness programs can lead to increased productivity and reduced healthcare costs for small businesses.
- Aging populations require affordable housing options that are accessible and safe.
- Mental-health issues are common among women during pregnancy and the postpartum period, but many women do not receive the care they need due to fear of stigma or lack of access to care.
- Weight-management programs tailored to cultural preferences and functional needs can improve health outcomes for underserved populations.
- Cardiovascular health is crucial for reducing the risk of heart disease and stroke, which disproportionately affect underserved populations.
- Industry leaders must prioritize diversity and inclusion in hiring practices to ensure equitable access to healthcare services.
- Medicare recipients often face barriers to accessing necessary healthcare services, including long wait times and high out-of-pocket costs.
- The use of CBD for managing chronic pain and anxiety is gaining popularity, but more research is needed to determine its efficacy and potential side effects.
- Neurological disorders like Alzheimer's disease and Parkinson's disease require extensive research and investment in new treatments to improve quality of life for those affected.
