Abstract
BackgroundLow socioeconomic status (SES) groups have been disproportionately affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. We aimed to examine COVID-19 vaccination rate by neighborhood SES and ethnicity in Israel, a country which has achieved high vaccination rates.MethodsData on vaccinations were obtained from the Israeli Ministry of Health’s open COVID-19 database, for December 20, 2020 to August 31, 2021. Correlation between vaccination rate and neighborhood SES was analyzed. Difference in vaccination rate between the first and second vaccine dose was analyzed by neighborhood SES and ethnicity.FindingsA clear socioeconomic gradient was demonstrated, with higher vaccination rates in the higher SES categories (first dose: r = 0.66; second dose: r = 0.74; third dose: r = 0.92). Vaccination uptake was lower in the lower SES groups and in the Arab population, with the largest difference in uptake between Jewish and Arab localities for people younger than 60, and with the gap widening between first and third doses.ConclusionsLow SES groups and the Arab ethnic minority demonstrated disparities in vaccine uptake, which were greater for the second and third, compared with the first vaccine dose. Strategies to address vaccination inequity will need to identify barriers, provide targeted information, and include trust-building in disadvantaged communities.
Highlights
Low socioeconomic status (SES) groups have been disproportionately affected by the COVID-19 pan‐ demic
For example the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) found disproportionate deaths occurring in minority groups, individuals with below median income, and those with less than high school education [2]
This study aimed to examine COVID-19 vaccination rate by neighborhood socioeconomic status and ethnic group in Israel
Summary
Low socioeconomic status (SES) groups have been disproportionately affected by the COVID-19 pan‐ demic. We aimed to examine COVID-19 vaccination rate by neighborhood SES and ethnicity in Israel, a country which has achieved high vaccination rates. Low socioeconomic status (SES) groups have been disproportionately affected by the COVID-19 pandemic, with both the direct effects of higher morbidity and mortality from the virus, as well as the economic consequences of public health restrictions, including lockdowns [1]. For example the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) found disproportionate deaths occurring in minority groups, individuals with below median income, and those with less than high school education [2]. Widening inequalities in living conditions between individuals, communities and regions have generated inequalities in health, including vulnerability to the burden of COVID19 disease [3]. A successful vaccination campaign requires three things: vaccine supplies (and appropriate storage and distribution), people to implement them (vaccinators), and willingness of people to be vaccinated [4]
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