Prevalence and correlates of COVID-19 vaccine uptake among sexual and gender minority adolescents in the southern United States

Although the COVID-19 pandemic disproportionately affected vulnerable and minoritized communities, vaccine uptake among these populations remains understudied. This study examined the prevalence and predictors of COVID-19 vaccination among LGBTQIA+ adolescents aged 13-17 in the southern U.S. From July 2021 to April 2022, LGBTQIA+ youth were recruited from eight southern states via social media ads. Overall, 76.6% of enrolled adolescents had received the COVID-19 vaccination. Among those who were not vaccinated, 74.4% reported at least some likeliness to be vaccinated in the next three months. Vaccination was more likely among youth who were employed or living with a physical disability or brain injury, and less likely among those reporting housing instability, homelessness, or household receipt of public assistance. Differences in vaccine uptake may reflect policies requiring proof of vaccination in workplaces and healthcare settings, and highlight potential barriers related to factors that disproportionately affect historically minoritized communities and adolescents.