Progress Update: Vaccinating the Unhoused
Since the onset of COVID-19, Los Angeles County and its partners have worked quickly to prevent the spread of the virus among people experiencing homelessness. Aligned resources and an infusion of state and federal funds helped us move faster than we ever thought possible, moving 10,000 unsheltered neighbors indoors.
Coordination Leads to Vaccination
That same coordination between the Department of Health Services’ (DHS) Housing for Health division, the City of Los Angeles, the County Departments of Public Health and Mental Health, LAHSA, and community clinics has made it possible to deliver at least a first dose of the COVID-19 vaccine to 6,902 people experiencing homelessness and some staff who work in homeless services.
Vaccinations first began on February 3 of this year, as service providers and Housing for Health worked to identify and bring in eligible people experiencing homelessness for the first doses of vaccines. Eligibility expanded on March 15 to all adults experiencing homelessness. As of June 2, Housing for Health had delivered 24,503 doses via 162 providers administering the doses. Clients can choose between the J&J and Moderna vaccines. Both offer 100 percent protection against death from the COVID infection.
Building Trust in the Vaccine
The goal is to offer vaccinations to every adult experiencing homelessness. But beyond the offer, the campaign works to increase acceptance of the vaccine through the COVID ambassador program, which provides culturally competent education about the vaccine to people experiencing homelessness. Ambassadors are trusted community individuals who build relationships with clients, reassure them about the vaccine, and accompany them to vaccine sites.
The challenge with a two-dose vaccine is following up and ensuring that clients return for their second dose. This can be especially difficult for people experiencing homelessness, who have less access to digital reminders, transportation, and medical communications.
Despite these challenges, Housing for Health has been able to administer second-dose shots to 77% of eligible clients by engaging them in channels such as text messages, phone calls, emails, and alerts through the Homeless Management Information System. Some clients who did not have a phone received one to receive updates from Housing for Health. Clients without phones were provided one to ensure they received updates and reminders.
The Road Ahead
There’s more to come. Housing for Health is building its capacity to provide more than 1,000 vaccinations per week with continued outreach and an eye on equitable access. The Pfizer vaccine has been approved for youth aged 12–15. Housing for Health is preparing mobile vaccination clinics with the Pfizer vaccine in family shelters and Family Solution Centers for youth experiencing homelessness in June. Partners across the county are continuing to focus on preventing illness and providing the most important social determinant for health — permanent housing.
Meanwhile, LAHSA outreach workers also began receiving vaccinations in February. As frontline workers, outreach team members interface with many people in different locations each day, so vaccination was crucial to ensure their safety, the safety of their loved ones and clients. They have also been key partners to the city in its efforts to hold vaccine events.
