Sociodemographic factors influencing COVID-19 vaccine uptake and dropout rates in England

COVID-19 vaccine uptake varied across geographical areas and demographic groups in England, with significant disparities observed locally. Understanding the factors driving these disparities is crucial for improving public health interventions. Using a comprehensive dataset containing sociodemographic, economic, and health-related variables, this study identifies key predictors of COVID-19 vaccine uptake and dropout rates across Lower Tier Local Authorities (LTLAs) in England. Specific Index of Multiple Deprivation (IMD) variables, including crime and environment scores, were significant predictors of both vaccine uptake and vaccine dropout rates, indicating that these domains create barriers to vaccination. Socioeconomic deprivation, especially among ethnic minority groups such as Asian and Black/African/Caribbean populations, was linked to lower vaccine uptake and higher dropout rates. LTLAs with younger populations saw significantly higher rates of dropout between doses, and LTLAs with a greater proportion of the population over the age of 65 saw significantly lower rates of vaccination dropout, likely due to targeted public health messaging and prioritisation. These findings highlight the need for targeted public health strategies to address the barriers faced by underserved communities. By focusing on the identified predictors, future vaccination campaigns can be tailored to improve uptake and reduce health disparities, ultimately enhancing public health outcomes.