The study aims to implement and assess the impact of a multi-faceted intervention to support Primary Care Provider (PCP) outreach, and PCP and community organization dissemination of information to promote COVID-19 vaccination among vulnerable patients in and near Worcester, MA.
The goal of this study is to increase uptake of the COVID-19 vaccine among vulnerable
populations through systematic provider recommendations via text message outreach,
information provision, and provider support.
The clinical trial will randomize primary care clinics from three health systems in the
Worcester, Massachusetts area to the intervention. Eligible patients seen at a study clinic
randomized to the intervention will receive a series of text messages from their PCP
recommending a study website as a trusted source of information about the COVID-19 vaccines
and information on how and where to schedule a vaccination.
Providers at a study clinic randomized to the intervention will be provided resources to
support their conversations with unvaccinated patients, including access to the study
website, a "tip sheet" for talking with vaccine hesitant patients, and additional materials
to share with vaccine hesitant patients during the intervention.
Behavioral: Health System Vaccination Text Messages and Provider Education
Patients: Eligible patients will receive a series of text messages from their PCP recommending a study website as a trusted source of information about the COVID-19 vaccines and information on how and where to schedule a vaccination.
Providers: will receive educational materials to support their conversations with patients about the COVID-19 vaccines.
Inclusion Criteria:
- Patients and providers at a participating clinic site
- Age > 18 years
Exclusion Criteria:
• Patients who have received at least one dose of a COVID-19 vaccine series prior to the
start of the intervention
UMass Chan Medical School
Worcester, Massachusetts, United States
Kimberly A Fisher, M.D, Principal Investigator
University of Massachusetts, Worcester