Top 5 Takeaways

1. Lower Vaccination Rates: Adults with disabilities were less likely to have received at least one dose of the COVID-19 vaccine compared to those without disabilities.
2. Higher Vaccination Intent: Despite lower vaccination rates, adults with disabilities were more likely to express definite intent to get vaccinated.
3. Perceived Barriers: Unvaccinated adults with disabilities reported more difficulties in getting vaccinated, including issues with online appointment scheduling and transportation.
4. Health Provider Influence: Adults with disabilities were more likely to have received a recommendation from a healthcare provider to get vaccinated.
5. Accessibility Challenges: The study highlights the need for more accessible vaccination sites and better support systems to reduce barriers for persons with disabilities.

Original Article Author and Citation

Corresponding Author

A. Blythe Ryerson, ztq6@cdc.gov

Suggested Citation

Ryerson AB, Rice CE, Hung M, et al. 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. MMWR Morb Mortal Wkly Rep 2021;70:1365–1371. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.15585/mmwr.mm7039a2

Summary

This study analyzed data from the National Immunization Survey Adult COVID Module (NIS-ACM) to assess COVID-19 vaccination status, intent, and perceived access among noninstitutionalized adults by disability status. It found that adults with disabilities were less likely to be vaccinated but more likely to intend to get vaccinated compared to those without disabilities. Additionally, unvaccinated adults with disabilities reported more barriers to accessing vaccination.

Methods

Data were collected via telephone interviews from May 30 to June 26, 2021, using a random-digit–dialed sample of cellular telephone numbers. Respondents were asked about their disability status, COVID-19 vaccination status, and perceived barriers to vaccination. Disability was assessed with a single question about serious difficulties in seeing, hearing, walking, remembering, making decisions, or communicating. Statistical analyses included T-tests and logistic regression to calculate prevalence ratios.

Discussion

The study revealed significant disparities in COVID-19 vaccination coverage between adults with and without disabilities. Despite expressing higher intent to get vaccinated, adults with disabilities faced more barriers, such as difficulties with online appointment scheduling and transportation. The findings suggest that improving accessibility and reducing barriers could enhance vaccination rates among this group.

Conclusion

Efforts to make COVID-19 vaccination information, scheduling, and sites more accessible for persons with disabilities are crucial. This includes providing information in accessible formats, ensuring vaccination sites are compliant with accessibility standards, and offering support services for transportation and scheduling. These measures could help address health inequities and improve vaccination coverage among persons with disabilities.

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