Prioritizing incarcerated populations for COVID-19 vaccination and vaccine trials

Abstract

Correctional settings have become the epicenter of COVID-19 outbreaks across the globe. Decarceration of thousands of individuals and increased infection and prevention control measures have helped to mitigate SARS-CoV-2 in correctional facilities; however, case- and mortality rates remain several-fold higher than most surrounding communities [1]. Explosive transmission rates in correctional settings highlight the need for additional mitigation strategies including vaccination. Despite this, incarcerated individuals have largely been absent from the discourse on priority populations for vaccination and COVID-19 vaccine trials [2].