Challenges and Opportunities of Mass Vaccination Centers in COVID-19 Times: A Rapid Review of Literature

Abstract

A mass vaccination center is a location, normally used for nonhealthcare activities, set up for high-volume and high-speed vaccinations during infectious disease emergencies. The high contagiousness and mortality of COVID-19 and the complete lack of population immunity posed an extraordinary threat for global health. The aim of our research was to collect and review previous experiences on mass vaccination centers. On 4 April 2021, we developed a rapid review searching four electronic databases: PubMed/Medline, Scopus, EMBASE, Google Scholar and medRxiv. From a total of 2312 papers, 15 of them were included in the current review. Among them, only one article described a COVID-19 vaccination center; all of the others referred to other vaccinations, in particular influenza. The majority were conducted in the United States, and were simulations or single-day experiences to practice a mass vaccination after bioterrorist attacks. Indeed, all of them were published after September 11 attacks. Regarding staff, timing and performance, the data were highly heterogenous. Several studies used as a model the Center for Disease Control and Prevention guidelines. Results highlighted the differences around the definition, layout and management of a mass vaccination center, but some aspects can be considered as a core aspect. In light of this, we suggested a potential definition. The current review answers to the urgency of organizing a mass vaccination center during the COVID-19 pandemic, highlighting the most important organizational aspects that should be considered in the planning.

Infodemiology of flu: Google trends-based analysis of Italians’ digital behavior and a focus on Sars-CoV-2 Italy.

“…As a public health emergency of international concern, the COVID-19 has drawn global attention and response. In the scenario of COVID-19 pandemic [ 22 ], it is extremely important to promote the flu vaccination during the next campaign increasing the opinion, knowledge and attitude of health workers and the population with dedicated health policies [ 23-25 ].…”

Environmental friendly micro cold storage for last-mile Covid-19 vaccine logistics

“…The last-mile logistics of the mRNA-based Covid-19 vaccine required extremely cold temperature. The cold chain maintenance and storage of the Covid-19 vaccine have to be addressed appropriately (Gianfredi et al 2021 ). Especially, Gam-Covid-19 vaccination can be stored at +2 to +8 °C (Ricco et al 2021 ).…”

Health Care Providers’ Trusted Sources for Information About COVID-19 Vaccines: Mixed Methods Study

“…Though nearly 70% of the US adult public has received at least one dose of a COVID-19 vaccine as of July 2021 [ 13 ] and more than 80% of health care providers have received a COVID-19 vaccine [ 14 , 15 ], vaccination levels vary substantially by locale, and there are still sizeable populations of adults that are unvaccinated. Health care providers have the potential to address barriers to COVID-19 vaccination and increase vaccine confidence as the US vaccination strategy shifts from mass vaccination to more traditional clinic-based administration of vaccines [ 16 - 18 ].…”