87. Impact of State of Residence on Adult Vaccination Uptake: A Multilevel Modeling Approach
Authors: Hunter Shannon , Garbinsky Diana , La Elizabeth M , Poston Sara , Hogea Cosmina 
Published: January 2021

Background

Previous studies on adult vaccination coverage found inter-state variability that persists after adjusting for individual demographic factors. Assessing the impact of state-level factors may help improve uptake strategies. This study aimed to:

• Update previous estimates of state-level, model-adjusted coverage rates for influenza; pneumococcal; tetanus, diphtheria, and acellular pertussis (Tdap); and herpes zoster (HZ) vaccines (individually and in compliance with all age-appropriate recommended vaccinations)

• Evaluate effects of individual and state-level factors on adult vaccination coverage using a multilevel modeling framework.

Methods

Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System (BRFSS) survey data (2015–2017) were retrospectively analyzed. Multivariable logistic regression models estimated state vaccination coverage and compliance using predicted marginal proportions. BRFSS data were then combined with external state-level data to estimate multilevel models evaluating effects of state-level factors on coverage. Weighted odds ratios and measures of cluster variation were estimated.

Results

Adult vaccination coverage and compliance varied by state, even after adjusting for individual characteristics, with coverage ranging as follows:

• Influenza (2017): 35.1–48.1%

• Pneumococcal (2017): 68.2–80.8%

• Tdap (2016): 21.9–46.5%

• HZ (2017): 30.5–50.9%

Few state-level variables were retained in final multilevel models, and measures of cluster variation suggested substantial residual variation unexplained by individual and state-level variables. Key state-level variables positively associated with vaccination included health insurance coverage rates (influenza/HZ), pharmacists’ vaccination authority (HZ), presence of childhood vaccination exemptions (pneumococcal/Tdap), and adult immunization information system participation (Tdap/HZ).

Conclusion

Adult vaccination coverage and compliance continue to show substantial variation by state even after adjusting for individual and state-level characteristics associated with vaccination. Further research is needed to assess additional state or local factors impacting vaccination disparities.

Funding

GlaxoSmithKline Biologicals SA (study identifier: HO-18-19794)

Disclosures

Shannon Hunter, MS, GSK (Other Financial or Material Support, Ms. Hunter is an employee of RTI Health Solutions, who received consultancy fees from GSK for conduct of the study. Ms. Hunter received no direct compensation from the Sponsor.) Diana Garbinsky, MS, GSK (Other Financial or Material Support, The study was conducted by RTI Health Solutions, which received consultancy fees from GSK. I am a salaried employee at RTI Health Solutions and received no direct compensation from GSK for the conduct of this study..) Elizabeth M. La, PhD, RTI Health Solutions (Employee) Sara Poston, PharmD, The GlaxoSmithKline group of companies (Employee, Shareholder) Cosmina Hogea, PhD, GlaxoSmithKline (Employee, Shareholder)