Practical Considerations for Mass SARS- CoV-2 Pandemic Vaccination: A Narrative Review

Abstract

Vaccine development against SARS-CoV-2 has dominated the literature during the 2019-21 COVID-19 pandemic, with minimal reporting regarding efficacious local implementation of vaccine campaigns—despite its critical role in vaccine uptake. This narrative review identifies practices to consider for local SARS-CoV-2 and future pandemic vaccination campaigns. We searched PubMed and the CDC’s Immunization Information Systems database and identified 941 articles, selecting 18 for review based on local implementation relevance. We extracted strategies applicable to state and local SARS-CoV-2 vaccination efforts. Considerations included: establishing well-defined priority groups and partnerships; advanced planning emphasizing communication; surveillance and evaluation; flexibility; and overcoming cost-related limitations. National guidelines, such as those developed by the U.S. Health and Human Services, are necessary but insufficient for high coverage rates, as they depend on variable local supply chains and community strategies. Local Health Departments should recognize prior successful approaches to plan more coordinated, targeted, and successful SARS-CoV-2 vaccination.