Sociodemographic and Occupational Characteristics Associated with Early and Continued COVID-19 Vaccine Uptake Among Healthcare Personnel: Monroe County, NY

Abstract

Objective: Identify characteristics of healthcare personnel (HCP) who did not have timely initiation of the COVID-19 primary series, as well as HCP who did not receive a booster vaccine.

Methods: Characteristics of HCP enrolled in a COVID-19 vaccine effectiveness study between 12/28/2020-12/01/2022 were compared by timing of receipt of 1st mRNA dose, and by receipt of a booster dose. Data for this retrospective cohort analysis came from HCP working at a large healthcare system in Monroe County, New York, and included standardized questionnaires and verified vaccination status. HCP were categorized by whether they received their 1stmRNA COVID-19 vaccine between 12/14/2020-03/30/2021 (earlier) or 04/01/2021-09/28/2021 (later) based on timing of local vaccine eligibility and mandates, and by whether they received a 3rdmRNA booster dose by 12/01/22. Logistic regression models were run to identify characteristics of HCP who had later 1stdose receipt or did not receive a booster.

Results: 3,375 HCP were enrolled. Of these, 86.8 % had early initiation of their 1stCOVID-19 vaccine, and 85.0 % received a booster dose. Low education, low household income, younger age (<50), non-White race and public health insurance were all significant predictors of later receipt of 1stdose and lack of uptake of a booster. However, advanced professional role was only found to be a significant predictor of early 1stdose receipt.

Conclusions: Continual monitoring of COVID-19 vaccine uptake among HCP to identify those less likely to receive new booster doses will be crucial to support targeted vaccine campaigns in this important population.

Keywords: COVID-19 vaccine; Healthcare disparity; Healthcare worker; Social disparity in health.