Strategies to Enhance COVID-19 Vaccine Uptake among Prioritized Groups, Uganda—Lessons Learned and Recommendations for Future Pandemics

July 30, 2024 by
Strategies to Enhance COVID-19 Vaccine Uptake among Prioritized Groups, Uganda—Lessons Learned and Recommendations for Future Pandemics
Aber Maurine
Daniel Kiiza1; Judith Nanyondo Semanda1; Boneventure Brian Kawere1; Claire Ajore1; Christopher Kaliisa Wasswa1; Andrew Kwiringira1; Emmanuel Tumukugize2; Joel Sserubidde2; Nashiba Namyalo1; Ronald Baker Wadria1; Peter Mukiibi1; Julie Kasule3; Ivan Chemos4; Acham Winfred Ruth5; Ritah Atugonza6; Flora Banage3; Yvette Wibabara3; Immaculate Ampaire6; Alfred Driwale6; Waverly Vosburgh3; Lisa Nelson3; Mohammed Lamorde1; Amy Boore3

Affiliations:

1Makerere University Infectious Diseases Institute, Kampala, Uganda
2Mildmay Uganda, Kampala, Uganda
3Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
4Rakai Health Sciences Program, Kalisizo, Uganda
5The AIDS Support Organization, Kampala, Uganda
6Ministry of Health, Kampala, Uganda

DOI: https://doi.org/10.3201/eid3007.231001

COVID-19 vaccination was launched in March 2021 in Uganda and initially prioritized persons >50 years of age, persons with underlying conditions, healthcare workers, teachers, and security forces. However, uptake remained low 5 months after the program launch. Makerere University’s Infectious Diseases Institute supported Uganda’s Ministry of Health in optimizing COVID-19 vaccination uptake models by using point-of-care, place of worship, and place of work engagement and the Social Assistance Grant for Empowerment model in 47 of 135 districts in Uganda, where we trained influencers to support mobilization for vaccination outreach under each model. During July–December, vaccination rates increased significantly in targeted regions, from 92% to 130% for healthcare workers, 40% to 90% for teachers, 25% to 33% for security personnel, 6% to 15% for persons >50 years of age, and 6% to 11% for persons with underlying conditions. Our approach could be adopted in other targeted vaccination campaigns for future pandemics.

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