Missoula Public Health staff briefed the Bonner Milltown Community Council on Nov. 10 about a countywide survey and outreach plans aimed at increasing awareness and use of the department’s vaccination services.

Sarah Heinemann, director of health services, said the county contracted Clarus Research and used a cross-sectional randomized postcard method to solicit responses from more than 4,000 households; the survey returned 388 responses, which the research team deemed sufficient for community extrapolation. “We got just over a 10% response rate,” Heinemann said.

Survey results and service use

Heinemann told the council that more than 90% of surveyed households reported receiving vaccines in the past two years and that 59% of respondents reported having used Missoula Public Health for vaccinations at some point. However, recent utilization has declined: only about 11% reported visiting Missoula Public Health for vaccine services in the last two years. Among respondents who had not used the department, 40% said they did not know Missoula Public Health offered vaccines, a gap the department now intends to address through targeted outreach.

On-the-ground outreach and clinic data

Maggie Abuso, Immunization Clinic Coordinator, and Heinemann described 19 recent pop-up clinics in community locations that saw improved turnout compared with the prior year; in the most recent period the department conducted 19 clinics that served about 783 people and administered 1,209 vaccines. Heinemann said that trust in Missoula Public Health staff and compassionate, educational conversations were frequently cited as reasons people used the department’s services.

Access barriers and insurance

Presenters said insurance-network issues remain a barrier: roughly 24% of surveyed households reported that their insurance was out of network at Missoula Public Health, and the department is still working to establish contracts with certain payers, including United and TRICARE. Heinemann explained that federal vaccine programs ensure no one is turned away for vaccinations; sliding administrative fees are applied based on income and can be waived for those who qualify.

Next steps for Bonner outreach

Missoula Public Health asked community councils for trusted local contacts and recommended channels (social media, bulletin boards, local businesses) to improve reach. The department offered to share the survey and presentation materials with council members and to coordinate future pop-up clinics and outreach targeted to older residents and rural communities in Bonner and surrounding neighborhoods.

The council suggested locations including the Kettle House, senior center and truck stop; Missoula Public Health said it will add these and other community sites to its outreach list and share contact information for scheduling.