Using disadvantage indices to improve vaccine distribution and health equity.

Using Disadvantage Indices to Address Structural Racism and Discrimination in Pandemic Vaccine Allocation and Beyond: Defining the Shape of a Novel Paradigm to Promote Health Equity

NIH-funded research University of Pennsylvania · NIH-10891614

This study is looking at how we can use information about people's income and education to make sure that COVID-19 vaccines are given to communities that need them most, especially those facing discrimination, so everyone has a fair chance to get vaccinated and stay healthy.

Quick facts

Grant typeR01 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionUniversity of Pennsylvania NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Philadelphia, United States)
Project IDNIH-10891614 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research investigates how disadvantage indices (DIs) can be used to address structural racism and discrimination in the allocation of COVID-19 vaccines. By analyzing data on socioeconomic factors such as income and education, the study aims to identify and prioritize disadvantaged communities for vaccine distribution. The goal is to understand the effectiveness of DIs in promoting health equity during the pandemic and in future public health emergencies. Patients from marginalized backgrounds may benefit from improved access to vaccines and healthcare services as a result of this research.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are individuals from disadvantaged communities who have been disproportionately affected by COVID-19.

Not a fit: Patients who do not belong to disadvantaged communities or who have adequate access to healthcare may not receive benefits from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to more equitable healthcare access and improved health outcomes for marginalized communities.

How similar studies have performed: Other research has shown success in using disadvantage indices to address health disparities, indicating that this approach has potential for meaningful impact.

Where this research is happening

Philadelphia, United States

Researchers

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.
Conditions COVID-19 disease incidence
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.