Syringe Service Program Perspectives on Barriers, Readiness, and Programmatic Needs to Support Rollout of the COVID-19 Vaccine

BackgroundWe explored syringe service program (SSP) perspectives on barriers, readiness, and programmatic needs to support coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) vaccine uptake among people who use drugs.MethodsWe conducted an exploratory qualitative study, leveraging an existing sample of SSPs in the United States. Semistructured, in-depth interviews were conducted with SSP staff between February and April 2021. Interviews were analyzed using a Rapid Assessment Process, an intensive, iterative process that allows for rapid analysis of time-sensitive qualitative data.ResultsTwenty-seven SSPs completed a qualitative interview. Many SSP respondents discussed that COVID-19 vaccination was not a priority for their participants because of competing survival priorities, and respondents shared concerns that COVID-19 had deepened participant mistrust of health care. Most SSPs wanted to participate in COVID-19 vaccination efforts; however, they identified needed resources, including adequate space, personnel, and training, to implement successful vaccine programs.ConclusionsAlthough SSPs are trusted resources for people who use drugs, many require additional structural and personnel support to address barriers to COVID-19 vaccination among their participants. Funding and supporting SSPs in the provision of COVID-19 prevention education and direct vaccine services should be a top public health priority.

Automated summary

This study explored the perspectives of syringe service programs (SSPs) on the barriers, readiness, and programmatic needs to support COVID-19 vaccine uptake among people who use drugs. The findings revealed that COVID-19 vaccination was not a priority for many SSP participants due to competing survival priorities, and there were concerns about participant mistrust of health care. Although most SSPs expressed a desire to participate in COVID-19 vaccination efforts, they emphasized the need for additional resources and support to implement successful vaccine programs.