Automation of mass vaccination against COVID-19 at an academic health center

Abstract

As vaccines against COVID-19 became available for distribution, the University of Miami addressed several challenges to facilitate vaccine allocation to the highest risk employees, patients, and students. Advanced use of technology allowed for the automation of key processes in the mass vaccination effort, which expedited vaccine outreach and scheduling, while maintaining routine delivery of healthcare services. The University's employees were initially prioritized for vaccination; employees who opted in were stratified into 5 vaccine administration phases. A similar process was implemented for students. When the state of Florida mandated expansion of vaccine allocation to include individuals aged 65 and older, an algorithm for patients was designed, taking into account age, comorbidities, date of last visit, and presence of an activated patient portal account. Innovative use of technology allowed for 19 000 vaccines to be administered within the first 37 days, which comprised 100% vaccine allotment, without wasting a single vaccine dose.