2026 Undergraduate Research Showcase

Improving Vaccination Uptake in Rural Adults: The Impact of Mobile Vaccination Clinics on Access and Health Equity

Document Type

Student Presentation

Presentation Date

4-24-2026

Faculty Sponsor

Dr. Ryoko Kausler

Abstract

Rural adults in the United States experience significant disparities in vaccination uptake compared to their urban counterparts, driven by geographic barriers, limited access to fixed clinical sites, and socioeconomic inequities. This evidence-based practice (EBP) project examines whether mobile vaccination clinics, in comparison with standard fixed clinical sites, improve vaccination uptake among rural adults over a six-month period. A structured PICOT question guided a systematic literature search across CINAHL, MEDLINE, and Academic Search Premier (2013–2026), yielding ten peer-reviewed studies per project criteria, which were evaluated for level and quality of evidence. Across the body of evidence, findings support the use of mobile vaccination clinics as an effective strategy for reducing access-related barriers, including transportation limitations, time constraints, and inadequate healthcare infrastructure, as well as for reaching underserved and socially vulnerable populations who may have limited access to vaccination services through fixed clinical sites. Based on these findings, practice recommendations support the implementation of mobile vaccination clinics in rural communities, strengthening community-based outreach and education, and fostering partnerships with local organizations to improve vaccine accessibility. Addressing rural vaccination disparities is essential to reducing preventable disease burden, lowering hospitalization rates, and advancing health equity in underserved communities.

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