Alliance for Pandemic Preparedness

May 28, 2021

Patterns in COVID-19 Vaccination Coverage, by Social Vulnerability and Urbanicity — United States, December 14, 2020–May 1, 2021

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  • As of May 1, 2021, vaccination coverage was lower among US adults living in counties with higher social vulnerability (social and structural factors associated with adverse health outcomes) and with higher percentages of households with children, single parents, and persons with disabilities. By May 1, vaccination coverage was lower among adults living in counties with the highest quartile of social vulnerability index (SVI, Q4 coverage = 49% vs Q1=59%). Vaccination coverage disparities were largest for two SVI themes: socioeconomic status (Q4 = 44 % vs Q1 = 61%) and household composition and disability (Q4 = 42% vs Q1 = 60%). During December 14, 2020-May 1, 2021, disparities in vaccination coverage by SVI increased, especially in suburban and nonmetropolitan counties. The authors suggest that expanding public health messaging targeted to local populations and increasing vaccination access could help increase vaccination coverage in areas with high social vulnerability. 

Barry et al. (May 28, 2021). Patterns in COVID-19 Vaccination Coverage, by Social Vulnerability and Urbanicity — United States, December 14, 2020–May 1, 2021. MMWR. Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report. https://doi.org/10.15585/mmwr.mm7022e1