Do Rural And High Index Of Need Counties Have Different COVID-19Vaccination Rates?

Abstract

Specific Aims: Specific aims are to compare vaccination rates by zip code, ION and rurality for elderly adults (65+) vs adults (18+). We hypothesize zip codes classified as rural, and those that have a high ION, will have lower vaccination rates. Methods: This study is an observational, retrospective, cross-sectional study using public health data for adult and elderly adult vaccination rates by zip code. Zip codes were categorized as: rural/ urban using USDA RUCA Codes, and as: very low, low, moderate, high and very high ION. Results: The priori alpha level is set at ɑ =0.05; in elderly vaccine ION significance level= 0.327, RUCA significance level= 0.001 therefore RUCA is statistically significant since its level is lower than priori alpha level. In adult vaccines the ION significance level = 0.506, RUCA significance level= 0.003, and pharmacy Y/N significance level= <0.001. Therefore, RUCA and active pharmacy status (Y/N) are statistically significant since the level is lower than priori alpha level. Conclusions: We conclude that rural areas were more likely to have fewer pharmacies, or none at all, within the studied populations. The key discovery of this retrospective study demonstrates that the COVID-19 pandemic had an impact on many populations, but there were many challenges in vaccinating those in rural areas of Arizona. Lack of a rural pharmacy location in Arizona statistically lowered local vaccination rates.