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Research Article: The Brazilian COVID-19 vaccination campaign: a modelling analysis of sociodemographic factors on uptake

Date Published: 2024-01-17

Abstract:
Objective Dose shortages delayed access to COVID-19 vaccination. We aim to characterise inequality in two-dose vaccination by sociodemographic group across Brazil. Design This is a cross-sectional study. Setting We used data retrieved from the Brazilian Ministry of Health databases published between 17 January 2021 and 6 September 2021. Methods We assessed geographical inequalities in full vaccination coverage and dose by age, sex, race and socioeconomic status. We developed a Campaign Optimality Index to characterise inequality in vaccination access due to premature vaccination towards younger populations before older and vulnerable populations were fully vaccinated. Generalised linear regression was used to investigate the risk of death and hospitalisation by age group, socioeconomic status and vaccination coverage. Results Vaccination coverage is higher in the wealthier South and Southeast. Men, people of colour and low-income groups were more likely to be only partially vaccinated due to missing or delaying a second dose. Vaccination started prematurely for age groups under 50 years which may have hindered uptake in older age groups. Vaccination coverage was associated with a lower risk of death, especially in older age groups (ORs 9.7 to 29.0, 95% CI 9. 4 to 29.9). Risk of hospitalisation was greater in areas with higher vaccination rates due to higher access to care and reporting. Conclusions Vaccination inequality persists between states, age and demographic groups despite increasing uptake. The association between hospitalisation rates and vaccination is attributed to preferential delivery to areas of greater transmission and access to healthcare.

Introduction:
During the COVID-19 pandemic, Brazil experienced the third highest number of confirmed COVID-19 deaths globally. Despite having a universal healthcare system that is experienced with managing public health emergencies, 1 Brazil was unable to contain COVID-19 2 and intensive care unit beds consistently exceeded capacity in many states. 3 This was complicated by the emergence of the Gamma (P.1) and Omicron (B.1.1.529) variants. 4 The COVID-19 vaccination campaign was launched across Brazil on 17 January 2021 and…

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