Disparities in COVID-19 Vaccination Status, Intent, and Perceived Access for Noninstitutionalized Adults, by Disability Status — National Immunization Survey Adult COVID Module, United States, May 30–June 26, 2021

Abstract

Estimates from the 2019 American Community Survey (ACS) indicated that 15.2% of adults aged ≥18 years had at least one reported functional disability (1). Persons with disabilities are more likely than are those without disabilities to have chronic health conditions (2) and also face barriers to accessing health care (3). These and other health and social inequities have placed persons with disabilities at increased risk for COVID-19-related illness and death, yet they face unique barriers to receipt of vaccination (4,5). Although CDC encourages that considerations be made when expanding vaccine access to persons with disabilities,* few public health surveillance systems measure disability status. To describe COVID-19 vaccination status and intent, as well as perceived vaccine access among adults by disability status, data from the National Immunization Survey Adult COVID Module (NIS-ACM) were analyzed. Adults with a disability were less likely than were those without a disability to report having received ≥1 dose of COVID-19 vaccine (age-adjusted prevalence ratio [aPR] = 0.88; 95% confidence interval [CI] = 0.84-0.93) but more likely to report they would definitely get vaccinated (aPR = 1.86; 95% CI = 1.43-2.42). Among unvaccinated adults, those with a disability were more likely to report higher endorsement of vaccine as protection (aPR = 1.29; 95% CI = 1.16-1.44), yet more likely to report it would be or was difficult to get vaccinated than did adults without a disability (aPR = 2.69; 95% CI = 2.16-3.34). Reducing barriers to vaccine scheduling and making vaccination sites more accessible might improve vaccination rates among persons with disabilities.Data from noninstitutionalized adults aged ≥18 years were collected in the NIS-ACM by telephone interview during May 30-June 26, 2021 using a random-digit-dialed sample of cellular telephone numbers, stratified by locality. † Although the current U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) minimum standard for measuring disability in surveys * COVID-19 Vaccine Recommendations and Guidelines of the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices, CDC. https://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/ hcp/acip-recs/vacc-specific/covid-19.html † The NIS-ACM cellular telephone sample was stratified by state, the District of Columbia, five local jurisdictions

When mistrust in the government and scientists reinforce social inequalities in vaccination against Covid-19

“…[1][2][3] Making Covid-19 vaccines available does not necessarily lead to a very large population vaccine coverage, as shown by the percentages of people who are still not vaccinated in Western countries [4], even when these vaccines are free. Recent studies in the UK, in the US and in Norway [5][6][7][8][9][10] have shown that the most socially disadvantaged and racialised social groups are the least vaccinated. In light of their high risk of infection and mortality from Covid-19 [1], it appears all the more important to understand why they are less likely to be reached by Covid-19 vaccine programmes.…”

COVID-19 Vaccination Coverage and Vaccine Confidence by Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity — United States, August 29–October 30, 2021

“…To prevent serious illness and death, it is important that all persons in the United States, including those in the LGBT community, stay up to date with recommended COVID-19 vaccinations. NIS-ACM collects data from adults aged ≥18 years using a random-digit-dialed sample of cellular telephone numbers (3). Data collected during August 29-October 30, 2021 from 153,062 respondents were weighted to represent the noninstitutionalized U.S. adult population and to match the number of adults who received ≥1 dose* of COVID-19 vaccine as reported by jurisdictions to CDC.…”

Changes in alcohol use and mood during the COVID-19 pandemic among individuals with traumatic brain injury: A difference-in-difference study

“…Given that individuals with disabilities have been found to be differentially impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic [ 12 – 14 ], individuals with moderate-to-severe TBI may be susceptible to direct and/or indirect effects of the COVID-19 pandemic. However, few studies to date have investigated how the pandemic has affected persons with TBI.…”

“…Individuals with disabilities have historically faced barriers to accessing healthcare, resulting in health inequity, particularly among racial/ethnic minority groups [ 10 ]. The COVID-19 pandemic has magnified these longstanding inequities [ 11 ]; persons with disabilities are at higher risk of serious illness secondary to underlying neurologic conditions [ 12 , 13 ] and have more difficulty engaging in COVID-19 preventative measures [ 14 ]. Persons with traumatic brain injury (TBI) represent an estimated 11.4 million persons with disability [ 15 ] who may be particularly affected by the pandemic, though currently only one cross-sectional study exists on how the COVID-19 pandemic has affected TBI survivors [ 16 ].…”