TBSM COVID-19 Vaccine Campaign: Protecting Our Most Vulnerable

COVID-19 has wreaked havoc on the lives of our most vulnerable populations. The creation of a vaccine provided a surge of hope, but the disappointing reality of how difficult it would be to provide access to the vaccine to these individuals remained. With a lack of access to PPE, a place to quarantine safely, and a lifestyle that can prevent the necessary social distancing, COVID-19 is especially harrowing for those experiencing homelessness. In order to address the disparity in access to the COVID-19 vaccine for those who need it most, Tampa Bay Street Medicine created a vaccine campaign to bring care to homeless and underserved patients 65 years and older.

An interdisciplinary collaboration between physician and pharmacist volunteers and pharmacy, medical, and physician assistant students brought the vaccine campaign to life on February 6, 2021. Forty-two COVID-19 vaccinations were administered to the most vulnerable individuals in Tampa Bay. The majority of patients signed up beforehand, and the clinic took walk-ups as well. Photographs showcase the patients’ emotional journey while receiving their COVID-19 vaccination; many looked nervous as they stood in line and received their vaccine, but were beaming with joy, gratitude, and pride as they held up the “I got my COVID-19 vaccine!” sign. The pharmacy student volunteers were specifically talented at delivering the vaccination, with one patient stating that the vaccine was ‘the easiest one’ they had ever received. Once they received their COVID-19 vaccination, each patient was given an information pamphlet, and they will receive their next dosage at Tampa Bay Street Medicine’s next clinic. Further, the Tampa Bay Street Medicine Clinic was able to provide HIV tests and prescriptions to patients as well.

Tampa Bay Street Medicine’s successful COVID-19 vaccine campaign was only possible with the dedication of the student, physician, and pharmacist volunteers, as well as the kindness of the Florida Department of Health in Hillsborough County for providing the vaccines. This campaign is a step towards diminishing the health disparities in access to the vaccine. Tampa Bay Street Medicine’s vaccination campaign symbolizes USF's dedication to reducing the prevalence of COVID-19 among the homeless and vulnerable populations in Tampa Bay.