Association of social vulnerability index and masking adherence among children enrolled in COVID-19 community research partnership study.

Background: Individuals with high social vulnerability index (SVI) have poorer outcomes with COVID-19. Masking reduces transmission of COVID-19 among children, but how SVI plays a role in masking behavior is unknown. We aimed to measure the association of SVI with masking adherence among children during the COVID-19 pandemic.

An equity-focused approach to improving access to COVID-19 vaccination using mobile health clinics.

This article describes the implementation of an equity-focused strategy to increase the uptake of COVID-19 vaccination among communities of color and in traditionally underserved geographic areas using mobile health clinics (MHCs). The MHC Vaccination Program was implemented through a large integrated healthcare system in North Carolina using a grassroots development and engagement strategy along with a robust model for data-informed decision support to prioritize vulnerable communities. Several valuable lessons from this work can replicated for future outreach initiatives and community-based programming: •Health systems can no longer operate under the assumption that community members will come to them, particularly those experiencing compounding social and economic challenges.

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Access to SARS-CoV-2 testing is a crucial component of early identification and disease containment. Racial and ethnic health disparities exist related to testing utilization. To optimize testing with limited resources, Atrium Health developed free-standing and roving testing centers outside of the traditional clinical settings in hopes of meeting the needs of a diverse urban community.

Feasibility of At-Home Virological and Serological Testing for SARS-CoV-2 in Children.

Longitudinal virological and serological surveillance is essential for understanding severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS CoV-2) transmission among children but requires increased test capacity. We assessed the uptake of serial at-home testing in children (2-17 years) via mailed SARS-CoV-2 antibody and molecular tests. Completion rates demonstrated the feasibility and sustainability of at-home testing across age groups.