Top 5 Takeaways

1. Higher Vaccination Coverage Among Gay or Lesbian Adults: Gay or lesbian adults reported higher COVID-19 vaccination coverage (85.4%) compared to heterosexual adults (76.3%).
2. Gender Differences in Vaccination: Among gay or lesbian and bisexual adults, men had higher vaccination rates than women.
3. Lowest Coverage Among Non-Hispanic Black LGBT Persons: Vaccination coverage was lowest among non-Hispanic Black LGBT persons across all categories of sexual orientation and gender identity.
4. Vaccine Confidence: Gay or lesbian and bisexual adults showed more confidence in COVID-19 vaccine safety and protection compared to heterosexual adults.
5. Importance of Inclusive Data Collection: Inclusion of sexual orientation and gender identity in surveys and health data collection is essential to address disparities and improve public health strategies for the LGBT community.

Original Article Author and Citation

Corresponding Author

A.D. McNaghten, aom5@cdc.gov

Suggested Citation

McNaghten A, Brewer NT, Hung M, et al. COVID-19 Vaccination Coverage and Vaccine Confidence by Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity — United States, August 29–October 30, 2021. MMWR Morb Mortal Wkly Rep 2022;71:171–176. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.15585/mmwr.mm7105a3

Summary

This report analyzes COVID-19 vaccination coverage and vaccine confidence among LGBT adults in the United States from August 29 to October 30, 2021. The study found that gay or lesbian adults had higher vaccination rates than heterosexual adults, with significant gender and racial disparities within the LGBT community. The findings emphasize the need for inclusive data collection and targeted public health interventions to address these disparities.

Methods

Data were collected using the National Immunization Survey Adult COVID Module (NIS-ACM) from a random-digit–dialed sample of cellular telephone numbers. The survey included 153,062 respondents aged ≥18 years, with data weighted to represent the U.S. adult population. Sexual orientation and gender identity were assessed through specific survey questions, and statistical analyses were performed using t-tests and 95% confidence intervals.

Discussion

The study highlights higher vaccination coverage and confidence among gay or lesbian adults compared to heterosexual adults, but also reveals significant disparities within the LGBT community, particularly among non-Hispanic Black LGBT persons. The findings suggest that targeted education and outreach in local communities of color could help increase vaccination rates among these subpopulations.

Conclusion

To prevent severe COVID-19 illness, it is crucial for all persons, including those in the LGBT community, to stay up to date with recommended vaccinations. Including sexual orientation and gender identity in health data collection systems is essential for monitoring disparities and developing effective public health strategies to achieve health equity for the LGBT population.

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