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Differences in COVID-19 vaccination coverage by occupation in England: a national linked data study
Vahe Nafilyan1,2, Ted Dolby3, Katie Finning3
1Health Analysis and Life Events Division, Office for National Statistics, Newport, UK vahe.nafilyan@ons.gov.uk.
Occupational and Environmental Medicine
|July 24, 2026
Summary
COVID-19 vaccination rates varied significantly by occupation in England. Occupations with lower vaccination rates often involved public or vulnerable person contact, highlighting a need for targeted public health interventions.
Area of Science:
- Public Health
- Epidemiology
- Occupational Health
Background:
- Monitoring COVID-19 vaccination uptake across diverse demographic groups is essential for effective pandemic policy.
- A significant data gap exists regarding vaccination rates by specific occupations.
- This study addresses this gap by analyzing nationwide data on vaccination uptake by occupation in England.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate and quantify differences in COVID-19 vaccination rates among various occupational categories in England.
- To determine if observed differences in vaccination uptake are primarily driven by occupation or by confounding factors like education.
- To explore the relationship between vaccination rates and the ability to work from home.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of nationwide population-level data for adults aged 18-64 in England.
- Calculation of the proportion of individuals receiving three COVID-19 vaccine doses (as of February 28, 2022).
- Estimation of adjusted odds ratios (ORs) to control for factors such as education and assess the independent effect of occupation. Examination of vaccination rates based on the ability to work remotely.
Main Results:
- Significant variations in COVID-19 vaccination rates were observed across detailed occupational groups, with rates ranging from 57.6% in elementary trades to 84.7% in health professionals.
- Adjusting for factors like education did not substantially change the observed occupational disparities in vaccination.
- Vaccination rates were positively associated with the ability to work from home, and many low-vaccination occupations involved public or vulnerable person contact.
Conclusions:
- Targeted strategies are needed to increase COVID-19 vaccination coverage in occupations with historically low uptake rates.
- Interventions should prioritize occupations that cannot be performed remotely and involve close public or vulnerable patient contact to enhance population protection and infection control.
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