Role of Psychiatric Hospitals in the Equitable Distribution of COVID-19 Vaccines

Objective: This study examined the feasibility of offering COVID-19 vaccinations to patients in inpatient psychiatric facilities (IPFs). Methods: Descriptive analyses were conducted to examine relationships among measures of influenza immunization, transmission of transition records, and attainment of follow-up care with data from 1,602 IPFs in 2018 and the COVID-19 Community Vulnerability Index. Results: One-quarter of IPFs were in counties with high or very high COVID-19 vulnerability. On average, 84% of patients at IPFs were screened for influenza immunization status and were offered an immunization if indicated. Only 57% of patients had their records transmitted to another provider within 24 hours of discharge, and 50% had a follow-up visit with a mental health provider within 30 days. Scores on attainment of follow-up care were worse in counties with higher COVID-19 vulnerability. Conclusions: IPFs may be well positioned to offer COVID-19 vaccinations but will need new processes and improved rates of follow-up care to ensure that patients receive the second dose.