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Rural Health Information Hub

Rural Health
Resources by Topic: Infectious diseases

COVID-19 Vaccines: Audience Insights & Messaging Guidance for Rural Communities
Examines rural residents' perspectives and concerns about vaccines, so that business leaders can respond to employee questions and effectively share vaccine facts. Includes suggested messages and links for additional resources.
Additional links: A Checklist for Rural Employers: Making it Easier for Employees & Workers to get Vaccinated
Date: 06/2021
Sponsoring organization: Health Action Alliance
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Patterns in COVID-19 Vaccination Coverage, by Social Vulnerability and Urbanicity — United States, December 14, 2020–May 1, 2021
Examines vaccination coverage by rurality and social vulnerability. Includes data for metropolitan and nonmetro areas for four levels of social vulnerability and by type of vulnerability, based on the CDC social vulnerability index (SVI).
Author(s): Vaughn Barry, Sharoda Dasgupta, Daniel L. Weller, et al.
Citation: MMWR (Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report), 70(22), 818-824
Date: 06/2021
Sponsoring organization: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
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A Cross-Sectional Comparison of Physical Activity During COVID-19 in a Sample of Rural and Non-Rural Participants in the US
Examines the impacts of COVID-19 on physical activity in 25 states, comparing rural and urban responses from 278 survey participants. Discusses disparities in obesity and physical activity rates, and describes barriers to physical activity.
Author(s): Alan M. Beck, Amanda S. Gilbert, Dixie D. Duncan, Eric M. Wiedenman
Citation: International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, 18(9), 4991
Date: 05/2021
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Hunger, Poverty, and Health During COVID-19: Spotlight: Rural Communities
Research brief exploring the impact of the pandemic on rural communities, focusing on hunger, poverty, and health. Includes statistics on weekly deaths from March-November 2020 per 100,000 people ages 20 and over, with breakdowns by 5 levels of population density.
Date: 05/2021
Sponsoring organization: Food Research & Action Center
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Vaccine Distribution in Rural Counties
Presents data on COVID-19 vaccination rates and intention to be vaccinated by urban-rural status. Discusses vaccine distribution, challenges facing rural communities, and considerations for communication about the vaccines. Describes best practices in rural counties in Virginia, Washington, and West Virgina.
Date: 05/2021
Sponsoring organization: National Association of Counties
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Vaccine Hesitancy among Rural Hospitals: The Arrival of a Challenging "New Normal"
Summarizes the results of a survey of rural hospital leaders between March 12-April 15, 2021, regarding COVID-19 vaccination among rural hospital personnel. Explores the percentage of rural hospital employees that have declined a vaccine, are partially vaccinated, and are fully vaccinated; reasons for declining the vaccine; and changing attitudes toward the vaccine.
Date: 05/2021
Sponsoring organization: The Chartis Group
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CMS OMH Building COVID-19 Vaccine Confidence Webinar
Recording of a May 13, 2021, webinar on resources and strategies to promote COVID-19 vaccine confidence. Includes information on the development of the COVID-19 vaccines, as data on their efficacy and safety. Transcript is available in the video description.
Additional links: Partner Webinar Supplemental Handout, Presentation Slides, Vaccinate with Confidence Fact Sheet
Date: 05/2021
Sponsoring organization: Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services
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PeaceHealth Is Vaccinating Rural America Through Peer-to-Peer Outreach
Describes how PeaceHealth is promoting COVID-19 vaccines among farmworkers in rural Washington. Discusses the role of community health workers and digital media in educating people about the importance of vaccination.
Date: 05/2021
Sponsoring organization: American Hospital Association
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Mask Use and Ventilation Improvements to Reduce COVID-19 Incidence in Elementary Schools — Georgia, November 16–December 11, 2020
Examines the impact of school-level prevention strategies on COVID-19 incidence among students and staff members at Georgia elementary schools with in-person learning, before the availability of the COVID-19 vaccines. Includes data on case levels in metropolitan and nonmetropolitan areas.
Author(s): Jenna Gettings, Michaila Czarnik, Elana Morris, et al.
Citation: MMWR (Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report), 70(21), 779-784
Date: 05/2021
Sponsoring organization: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
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COVID-19 Health Care Flexibilities: Perspectives, Experiences, and Lessons Learned
Recording of a May 19, 2021, U.S. Senate Committee on Finance hearing on healthcare flexibilities implemented in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, with a focus on telehealth. Discusses lessons learned and considerations for the extension of these flexibilities beyond the pandemic.
Additional links: Kisha Davis Testimony, Narayana Murali Testimony
Date: 05/2021
Sponsoring organization: Senate Committee on Finance
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