Spatial-temporal differences of COVID-19 vaccinations in the U.S.

Area of Science:

• Epidemiology
• Public Health
• Geospatial Analysis

Background:

• COVID-19 has demonstrated significant outcome disparities.
• The association between these disparities and full COVID-19 vaccination rates remains under-explored.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the spatial and temporal patterns of COVID-19 case rates, fatality rates, and full vaccination rates at the county level in the U.S.
• To analyze the relationship between vaccination rates and COVID-19 outcomes over time and space.
• To identify geographic health disparities related to COVID-19 vaccination and outcomes.

Main Methods:

• Utilized statistical and geospatial analyses of county-level data from December 24, 2020, to September 30, 2021.
• Employed time series analysis to examine lagged relationships between case rates, fatality rates, and vaccination rates.
• Applied partial correlation, Ordinary Least Squares (OLS), and Geographically Weighted Regression (GWR) to assess associations with socioeconomic, healthcare, health, and environmental factors.

Main Results:

• Clear temporal and spatial patterns were observed in the progression of COVID-19 outcomes and vaccination rates.
• Fatality rates were positively associated with past case rates, while both case and fatality rates were negatively associated with past vaccination rates.
• Lag effects varied between urban and rural areas, and numerous factors independently correlated with vaccination rates over time and space.

Conclusions:

• Empirically identified geographic health disparities in COVID-19 vaccination and outcomes.
• Results provide an evidence base for targeted pandemic recovery and public health mitigation strategies.
• Understanding these spatial-temporal dynamics is crucial for addressing health inequities.