COVID-19 Vaccination Coverage Among Adults - United States, December 14, 2020-May 22, 2021

Area of Science:

• Public Health
• Epidemiology
• Vaccinology

Background:

• The U.S. COVID-19 vaccination program commenced on December 14, 2020, with phased eligibility expansion.
• Initial prioritization focused on high-risk groups, including adults aged 75 years and older, gradually extending to all adults by April 19, 2021.

Purpose of the Study:

• To analyze COVID-19 vaccination coverage patterns among U.S. adults.
• To examine vaccination uptake by age, sex, and community-level characteristics.

Main Methods:

• Analysis of vaccination data submitted to the CDC from December 14, 2020, to May 22, 2021.
• Stratification of coverage and initiation rates by age groups, sex, urbanicity, social vulnerability, and social determinants of health.

Main Results:

• By May 22, 2021, 57.0% of adults aged 18+ had received at least one COVID-19 vaccine dose; coverage was 80.0% for those 65+ and 38.3% for those 18-29.
• Vaccination initiation peaked earlier and higher among adults 65+ (8.2%) compared to younger groups.
• Post-eligibility expansion, weekly initiation rates declined across all age groups, with younger adults projected to have lower overall coverage.

Conclusions:

• Significant disparities in COVID-19 vaccination coverage exist across age groups, with younger adults showing lower uptake.
• Men, except those 65+, had lower coverage than women.
• Lower coverage was observed in less urban counties, those with higher social vulnerability, and areas with greater social determinants of poor health.
• Continued efforts are crucial to enhance vaccination confidence and address barriers, particularly for adults aged 18-49.