The Impact of Social Determinants of Health on Vaccination Uptake

Abstract

This review sought to establish the impact of social determinants of health on vaccination uptake. The analysis established that the link between SDH and vaccination uptake is multifaceted with different factors affecting the uptake rates. For instance, economic stability affected vaccination uptake because it affected people’s ability to access insurance coverage or keep up with vaccination schedule. Healthcare access was also a key determinant factor to vaccination uptake. Lack of access limited individuals’ abilities to access vaccines. Other factors that played a role are education levels, social and community context, and built environment. The interaction between these factors contributed to disparities, inequities, and lower immunization rates. Addressing the disparities and inequities in vaccination uptake is important because it derails efforts that have already been made in addressing communicable diseases. It affects herd immunity, leads to strain of healthcare systems, and affects resource utilization. Due to these negative effects, it is important to take measures that can address the disparities. Collaboration with the community, policy reforms, and community interventions are some of the measures that can be used to increase uptake. These measures can address the underlying factors that cause disparities and affect vaccination uptake. Keywords: Social determinants of health (SDH), vaccination uptake, health outcomes, access, economic stability, health disparities