Disparities in national and state estimates of COVID-19 vaccination receipt and intent to vaccinate by race/ethnicity, income, and age group among adults ≥ 18 years, United States

Abstract

Introduction: COVID-19 morbidity and mortality has disproportionately affected vulnerable populations such as minority racial/ethnic groups. Understanding disparities in vaccine intentions and reasons for vaccine hesitancy are important for developing effective strategies for ameliorating racial/ethnic COVID-19 inequities.

Methods: Using six waves of the large, nationally representative Census Bureau's Household Pulse Survey data from January 6-March 29, 2021 (n = 459,235), we examined national and state estimates for vaccination intent, defined as receipt of ≥ 1 dose of the COVID-19 vaccine or definite intent to be vaccinated, by race/ethnicity with stratification by household income and age group. In separate logistic regression models, we also examined the interaction between race/ethnicity and household income, and race/ethnicity and age group, and its association with vaccination intent. Lastly, we examined reasons for not vaccinating by race/ethnicity.

Results: Vaccination intent differed by racial/ethnic group, household income, and age group nationally and by Health and Human Services (HHS) region and state. A significant interaction was observed between race/ethnicity and household income (F(8,72) = 4.50, p < 0.001), and race/ethnicity and age group (F(8,72) = 15.66, p < 0.001). Non-Hispanic Black adults with lower income (<$35,000) and younger age (18-49 years) were least likely to intend to vaccinate. Similar disparities across racial/ethnic groups were seen across most HHS regions and states. Concerns about possible side effects and effectiveness were significantly higher among all minority groups compared to non-Hispanic White adults.

Conclusion: Disparities in vaccination intent by racial/ethnic groups underscore the need for interventions and recommendations designed to improve vaccination coverage and confidence in underserved communities, such as younger and lower income racial/ethnic minority groups. Efforts to reduce disparities and barriers to vaccination are needed to achieve equity in vaccination coverage, and ultimately, to curb COVID-19 transmission.

Keywords: COVID-19 vaccination; Disparities; Ethnicity; Race; Vaccine confidence; Vaccine hesitancy.

Fig. 1

Predicted proportion of vaccination intent by racial/ethnic and income group, United States, January 6 - March 29, 2021. Abbreviations: NH-W = Non-Hispanic White; NH-B = Non-Hispanic Black; H = Hispanic; NH-A = Non-Hispanic Asian, NH-O = Non-Hispanic other/multiple race category.

Fig. 2

Predicted proportion of vaccination intent by racial/ethnic and age group, United States, January 6 - March 29, 2021. Abbreviations: NH-W = Non-Hispanic White; NH-B = Non-Hispanic Black; H = Hispanic; NH-A = Non-Hispanic Asian, NH-O = Non-Hispanic other/multiple race category.