MMWR

Emergency departments may be key to closing vaccine gaps in underserved adults

August 11, 2025

A multicenter survey conducted in emergency departments (EDs) across eight U.S. cities found that adult patients from underserved populations often lack basic vaccine knowledge and coverage but show high willingness to receive vaccines if offered during an ED visit. Among 3,285 non–critically ill participants, 49.4% had not heard of at least one CDC-recommended vaccine, and 85.9% had missed one or more. Notably, 46.4% of those not up to date said they would accept at least one missing vaccine during their ED visit, and 86.7% of those were open to receiving all recommended vaccines.

Key barriers included lack of awareness, absence of primary care, and limited access to health insurance. Black and Hispanic patients, those with non-English primary language, and uninsured individuals were significantly more likely to be under-vaccinated. These findings suggest EDs could serve as strategic sites for vaccine education, screening, and delivery, especially for populations who rely on EDs as their primary point of care.

Source:

Rodriguez RM, et al. (2025, August 7). MMWR Morb Mortal Wkly. Emergency Department Survey of Vaccination Knowledge, Vaccination Coverage, and Willingness to Receive Vaccines in an Emergency Department Among Underserved Populations - Eight U.S. Cities, April-December, 2024. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/40773379/