Urban recyclers are a growing population whose healthcare needs have not been characterized, but preliminary work indicates high rates of hepatitis and job-related injuries. In this pilot study, all 38 people returning cans in one day at a private redemption center were approached for survey while free flu and pneumococcal vaccines were being offered on-site. Of the 31 who spoke English, 24 (77%) agreed to participate. Among these 24, the mean age was 48 years; 79% were men; 17% were homeless; 58% had some form of health insurance; and 71% had a regular source of medical care. 11 participants had medical conditions or were in an age group that indicated a need for both the flu and pnuemococcal vaccines. Of these, 73% had already received the flu shot, but only 27% had ever received a pnuemococcal vaccine. Of those who were at high-risk and unvaccinated, 90% stated that they had a regular source of healthcare, yet all chose to receive the free vaccines being offered at the can redemption center.
For the can recyclers at high-risk who should have received both vaccines, few had received the pneumoccocal vaccine despite having had recent contact with the healthcare system for a flu vaccine. This discrepancy between flu and pneumonia vaccination rates calls for further investigation. We feel that offering free vaccinations on-location where marginalized people gather is an effective method for delivery of low-threshold preventive care.
Learning Objectives: 1 - Recognize effectiveness of low-threshold healthcare delivery to marginalized populations 2 - Describe vaccination rates among urban can recycling populations
Keywords: Underserved Populations, Urban Health Care
Presenting author's disclosure statement:
Organization/institution whose products or services will be discussed: None
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.