Mobile HBV Vaccine Clinic: Innovative community partnerships to improve vaccination rates among API adults in Philadelphia

Chronic hepatitis B (HBV) is a serious liver infection that disproportionately affects Asians and Pacific Islanders (API), leading to significant health disparities. Due to sociocultural, economic and systemic barriers, up to 75% of infected APIs don’t know they have HBV; and only 10-40% of the highest-risk APIs are vaccinated against HBV. In Philadelphia, a community-based coalition was started to improve rates of HBV screening, vaccination and linkage to care. A targeted community needs assessment found multiple barriers to HBV vaccine among API adults, including lack of a medical home, transportation issues, and stigma associated with visiting free clinics. To address these issues, the coalition started the Mobile HBV Vaccine Clinic. Free HBV vaccine was offered at trusted community sites to anyone who was screened through the coalition found to have no immunity. Vaccine clinics were held weekends and evenings, at churches, community centers, and pharmacies frequented by community members, to enhance participation. In-language written invitations, with follow-up telephone phone reminders were utilized. Philadelphia Department of Public Health provided free vaccine, HepTREC provided guidance for set-up and protocol, and HBF conducted all communication with participants. Additional coalition partners, including pharmacies, social service, and medical student organizations provided volunteers to staff events, including interpreters. Over 18 months, the Mobile HBV Vaccine Clinic provided 417 doses of HBV vaccine at 28 events. 34% of people completed all three doses of the vaccine series. This proved to be a successful model for vaccinating high-risk and hard to reach API adults in Philadelphia. Future considerations include sustainability in a resource constrained environment, and ensuring linguistic and cultural competency.