Uptake of SARS-CoV-2 vaccination among structurally-marginalized people who use drugs in Vancouver, Canada

Sci Rep. 2023 Oct 20;13(1):17930. doi: 10.1038/s41598-023-44069-8.

Abstract

We sought to evaluate the rates and predictors of SARS-CoV-2 vaccination among members of a structurally-marginalized population of people who use drugs (PWUD) during a targeted, community-wide, vaccination campaign in Vancouver, Canada. Interviewer-administered data were collected from study participants between June 2021 and March 2022. Generalized estimating equation analysis was used to identify factors associated with SARS-CoV-2 vaccine uptake, ascertained through a province-wide vaccine registry. Among 223 PWUD, 107 (48.0%) reported receipt of at least two SARS-CoV-2 vaccine doses at baseline and this increased to 151 (67.7%) by the end of the study period. Using social media as a source of vaccine information was negatively associated with SARS-CoV-2 vaccine uptake (Adjusted odds ratio [AOR] 0.27, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.09-0.81) and HIV seropositivity (AOR 2.68, 95% CI 1.12-6.39) and older age (AOR 1.27, 95% CI 1.07-1.51) were positively associated with SARS-CoV-2 vaccine uptake. These findings suggest that the targeted vaccination campaign in Vancouver may be an effective model to promote SARS-CoV-2 vaccination in other jurisdictions. However, using social media as a source of vaccine information likely reduced SARS-CoV-2 vaccine uptake in PWUD arguing for further efforts to promote accessible and evidence-based vaccine information among marginalized populations.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • COVID-19 Vaccines*
  • COVID-19* / epidemiology
  • COVID-19* / prevention & control
  • Canada / epidemiology
  • Humans
  • SARS-CoV-2
  • Vaccination

Substances

  • COVID-19 Vaccines