In a significant move towards enhancing public health, researchers from the University of Arizona’s Mel and Enid Zuckerman College of Public Health have been awarded a substantial $1.75 million grant from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. This funding will support a community-based participatory research initiative aimed at improving vaccination rates specifically within Arizona’s rural and border communities.
Despite the proven efficacy of vaccination—an intervention that has historically saved millions of lives annually—there has been a noticeable decline in vaccination rates in recent years. This decrease can be attributed to various factors, including widespread safety concerns, as well as religious and philosophical objections that have gained traction among certain populations.
“Vaccination is a cornerstone of public health,” emphasized co-principal investigator Tomas Nuño, PhD, an assistant research professor in the Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics. “We need to build trust and connection so that our community partners see the benefits of vaccination across the lifespan. They also need to be able to evaluate all the misinformation about vaccines that is so common now.”
The five-year study, titled “Community-Based Participatory Research to Enhance Vaccine Uptake Across the Lifespan through Innovative Points of Access and Altering Norms in Border and Rural Regions,” aims to integrate socioecological and health beliefs model frameworks to delve into the influence of socioeconomic factors, trust in health systems, and perceptions regarding vaccine efficacy and risk among underserved populations.
In the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic, the Chiricahua Community Health Centers Inc. in rural southeast Arizona has piloted an innovative initiative designed to bolster vaccination rates. This initiative involved integrating an immunization specialist within dental clinics that are part of the federally qualified health center system, a strategy that has already demonstrated promising results in enhancing community immunization efforts.
Nuño will spearhead a research team dedicated to expanding upon the success of CCHCI’s community-based immunization program in dental clinics. This initiative will also include forming a new partnership with the Mariposa Community Health Center located in Santa Cruz County, with the objective of increasing vaccine access among diverse groups, including adults, adolescents, families, and entire communities.
In tandem with these efforts, researchers plan to create, pilot, and evaluate a multilevel intervention strategy that targets populations facing significant barriers to healthcare access. They will specifically focus on individuals living in remote, underserved areas, including those who may not typically engage with Federally Qualified Health Centers.
Nuño, who is also the engagement core faculty lead for the University of Arizona-Banner Health All of Us Research Program, will lead this important project alongside co-principal investigator Kate Ellingson, PhD, an associate professor in epidemiology and biostatistics, and co-investigator Sheila Soto, DrPH, MPH, an assistant research professor and director of engagement and outreach programs.
“The recent decline in vaccination rates following the COVID pandemic is a top concern for public health,” remarked Iman Hakim, MD, PhD, MPH, dean of the Zuckerman College of Public Health. “I’m so pleased that Dr. Nuño and his team have received this CDC funding to develop innovative ways to engage our underserved communities and restore trust in vaccines.”
The research team also comprises Scott Carvajal, PhD, MPH, professor and chair of the Health Promotion Sciences Department as well as co-director of the Arizona Prevention Resource Center. Additionally, they are collaborating with Federally Qualified Health Center partners such as Emily Harris, MPH, infectious disease program manager for the Chiricahua Community Health Centers Inc., and Patty Molina, MPH, senior director of community health services at the Mariposa Community Health Center.
**Interview with Dr. Tomas Nuño on New CDC Grant for Vaccination Initiative**
**Editor:** Thank you for joining us today, Dr. Nuño. You’re leading a significant new initiative funded by a $1.75 million grant from the CDC. Can you tell us more about the aims of this project?
**Dr. Nuño:** Absolutely, and thank you for having me. Our project, titled “Community-Based Participatory Research to Enhance Vaccine Uptake Across the Lifespan,” focuses on improving vaccination rates in Arizona’s rural and border communities. We aim to build trust among these populations regarding vaccination through community engagement and education, especially countering the misinformation that has proliferated in recent years.
**Editor:** Why is it particularly important to focus on rural and border communities in Arizona?
**Dr. Nuño:** These communities often face Unique challenges regarding healthcare access, including socioeconomic factors and limited trust in health systems. By understanding their specific concerns and barriers to vaccination, we can tailor our strategies to fit their needs, thereby increasing vaccine uptake and improving public health outcomes overall.
**Editor:** You mentioned misinformation as a challenge. How do you plan to address that within your initiative?
**Dr. Nuño:** Misinformation is a significant barrier to vaccination. We’re going to work closely with community partners to provide clear, accurate information about vaccines’ benefits and risks. We’ll also help these partners evaluate the myths that are circulating, empowering them to be advocates for vaccination in their own communities.
**Editor:** Can you elaborate on the innovative initiative already launched by the Chiricahua Community Health Centers?
**Dr. Nuño:** Certainly! The initiative involves placing immunization specialists within dental clinics. This model has shown promising results in boosting vaccination efforts by integrating immunization into existing health services. It’s a great example of innovative thinking in public health, and we plan to expand on this success with our new partnerships, including one with the Mariposa Community Health Center.
**Editor:** What do you hope to see by the end of the five-year study?
**Dr. Nuño:** My hope is that we’ve not only increased vaccination rates but also built a sustainable framework within these communities for continued education and engagement around vaccines. By focusing on trust and accessibility, we aim to create lasting change in attitudes towards vaccination.
**Editor:** Thank you, Dr. Nuño, for your insights. This initiative could significantly impact public health in Arizona and beyond.
**Dr. Nuño:** Thank you! It’s a team effort, and we’re excited to get started.
