Spatial and Temporal Trends in Travel for COVID-19 Vaccinations

INTRODUCTION: Understanding spatial and temporal trends in travel for COVID-19 vaccinations by key demographic characteristics (i.e., gender, race, and age) is important for ensuring equitable access to and increasing the distribution efficiency of vaccines and other health services. The aim of this study is to examine trends in distances traveled for COVID-19 vaccinations over the course of the vaccination rollout in North Carolina. METHODS: Data were collected using electronic medical records of individuals who had either first- or single-dose COVID-19 vaccination appointments through UNC Health between December 15, 2020, and August 31, 2021 (N=204,718). Travel distances to appointments were calculated using the Euclidean distance from individuals’ home ZIP code centroids to clinic addresses. Descriptive statistics and multivariable regression models with individuals’ home ZIP codes incorporated as fixed effects were used to examine the differences in travel distances by gender, race, and age. RESULTS: Males and White individuals traveled significantly farther for vaccination appointments throughout the vaccination rollout. On average, females traveled 14.4 miles, a 3.5% shorter distance than that of males; Black individuals traveled 13.6 miles, a 10.0% shorter distance than that of White individuals; and people aged ≥65 years traveled 14.5 miles, a 2.6% longer distance than that of younger people living in the same ZIP code. CONCLUSIONS: Controlling for SES and spatial proximity to vaccination clinics at the ZIP code level, males and White individuals traveled longer distances for vaccination appointments, demonstrating more ability to travel for vaccinations. Results indicate a need to consider differential ability to travel for vaccinations by key demographic characteristics in COVID-19 vaccination programs and future mass health service delivery efforts.