Differences in influenza vaccination by gender identity and state-level gender equity policies: Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System, 2015–2019

Abstract

BackgroundIt is estimated that there are one million transgender and over 340,000 gender non-conforming people in the United States, many of whom face significant health disparities including access to healthcare. Although previous studies have reported greater vaccine uptake in women compared to men, national-level estimates of influenza vaccine uptake among transgender and non-binary people are unknown. This study aims to characterize differences in influenza vaccine uptake by gender identity and examine associations between vaccination status and state-level gender equity policies. MethodsWe used cross-sectional data from adults participating in the 2015–2019 United States Behavioral Risk Factors Surveillance System surveys. Weighted prevalence differences (PDs) and associated confidence intervals (CIs) of being unvaccinated against influenza by self-reported gender identity were estimated using generalized linear regression models. ResultsCompared to cisgender women (unvaccinated prevalence = 57.3%), the prevalence of being unvaccinated was significantly higher among cisgender men (64.4%; PD = 7.0 per 100, 95% CI: 6.7–7.4), transgender women (65.4%; PD = 8.1 per 100, 95% CI 4.0–12.2), transgender men (64.6%; PD = 7.3 per 100, 95% CI: 2.7–11.8), and gender non-conforming individuals (64.6%; PD = 7.2 per 100, 95% CI: 1.3–13.2). This pattern was similar among individuals living in states with protective versus restrictive gender equity policies. ConclusionsOur results identified a disparity in influenza vaccine uptake among individuals across the gender spectrum. To improve vaccine equity, future research should explore barriers to and facilitators of vaccine uptake by gender identity, which could inform policies and health promotion interventions to improve uptake co-designed and implemented with the transgender and non-binary communities.