Equitable Allocation of COVID-19 Vaccines in the United States

This article presents findings from a study that assessed published COVID-19 vaccine allocation plans for the Center for Disease Control and Prevention’s (CDC) 64 jurisdictions. The analysis reflects assessments of the plans between November 2020 and March 2021. The authors question whether the plans prioritized zip codes based on calculated disadvantage indices, which are based on area-level indicators (e.g., U.S. Census data). By the end of the period under investigation, 37 jurisdictions had adopted disadvantage scales. Key themes include: (1) Prioritizing disadvantaged groups, (2) Defining priority groups or areas, (3) Tailoring outreach and communication, (4) Planning the location of dispensing sites, and (5) Monitoring receipt of the COVID-19 vaccine.

Resource Details

• Setting/Context of Implementation: Community
• Topics of Practice: Vaccination
• Outcomes of Interest: Advancing Racial Equity
• Level of Evidence: Novel
• Tools or Materials Included in Resource: No
• Social Determinants of Health: Social and Community Context
• Outside of US: No