Paper Title
MEASURING SPATIAL ACCESSIBILITY OF COVID-19 VACCINATION SITES
Abstract
Abstract - The spatial distribution and allocation of healthcare resources play a crucial role in addressing health inequity issues. This study examines the spatial patterns of COVID-19 vaccination services in Nueces County, Texas. The spatial accessibility of vaccination sites was measured at the block group level using the two-step floating catchment area (2SFCA), a widely used method for measuring spatial accessibility to healthcare facilities. The study found remarkable variations in spatial accessibility to vaccination sites across different communities within Nueces County. Neighborhoods in rural and underserved communities in the northwest and southwest areas of Nueces County exhibited lower accessibility. The study emphasizes the importance of addressingspatial accessibility inequities in vaccination distribution plans to ensure equal access to vaccine services,particularly in rural and underserved areas. These findings have implications for public health planners and decision-makers in identifying areas with limitedaccess to vaccination services, guiding the allocation of vaccination resources, and facilitatinghealthcare planning efforts. Ultimately, these effortshelp address health inequities by bridging the gaps in spatial accessibility and ensuring the equitable distribution of vaccination resources.
Keywords - Spatial Accessibility, Two-Step Floating Catchment Area, Healthcare Facility, Covid-19, Vaccine.