COVID-19 Vaccination Of People Experiencing Homelessness And Incarceration In Minnesota

Area of Science:

• Public Health
• Epidemiology
• Health Equity

Background:

• Understanding COVID-19 vaccine uptake is crucial for public health strategies.
• Disparities in vaccination rates have been observed among vulnerable populations.
• Data on vaccination completion for people experiencing homelessness or incarceration is limited.

Purpose of the Study:

• To analyze COVID-19 vaccination completion trends by race and ethnicity.
• To compare vaccination rates among people experiencing homelessness, jail incarceration, state prison incarceration, and the general population in Minnesota.

Main Methods:

• Utilized data from a statewide public health-health system collaboration.
• Described vaccination trends across different demographic and housing/custody status groups.
• Analyzed data stratified by racial and ethnic groups.

Main Results:

• Vaccination completion rates were substantially higher in the general population and among individuals in state prisons compared to those experiencing homelessness or jail incarceration.
• Racial and ethnic disparities in vaccination completion were observed within these groups.

Conclusions:

• Significant disparities exist in COVID-19 vaccination completion rates for individuals experiencing homelessness or jail incarceration.
• Targeted interventions are needed to improve vaccine access and completion for these underserved populations.
• Public health-health system collaborations are vital for monitoring and addressing health inequities.