Not Just a Vaccination. Provision of Public Health, Environmental, and Social Needs in an Austere Environment in Miami, Florida

Abstract

Introduction:

The recently approved COVID-19 vaccine in 2021 provided a glimmer of hope to all people who had isolated, or lost loved ones to the SARS-COVID-19 virus. Clinics were rapidly established in non-traditional settings in order to meet the need in the early phases of the vaccination program. Contractor support provided rapid personnel support to meet the needs of many locations in several states. Consideration of basic infrastructure requirements such as Incident Command, security, HVAC, electricity, water and sanitation were part of a state supported vaccine clinic in an economically challenged neighborhood in downtown Miami, Florida.

Method:

Topics to be discussed include staffing mixes, language/cultural concerns, handheld EMR applications, patient flow, immunization practices, testing practices, vaccine security, adverse event management, infection control procedures and the ever present supply chain challenges. The discussion will be framed from the perspective of the Chief Nursing Officer in an ever challenging vaccine environment.

Results:

Over 20,000 vaccines were successfully provided in a little over three months, and a community-based Student Internship program was also implemented.

Conclusion:

Vaccine administration is possible in a variety of settings. Foundational principles of vaccine security, management of the environment and provision of safety and security for patients and staff will help to ensure a successful public health campaign.