COVID-19 Vaccine Uptake among People with Spinal Cord Injury and Dysfunction in Ontario, Canada: A Population-Based Retrospective Cohort Study

Healthcare, 2024 · DOI: 10.3390/healthcare12171799 · Published: September 9, 2024

Spinal Cord Injury Immunology Public Health

Simple Explanation

This study examined COVID-19 vaccine uptake among people with spinal cord injuries and dysfunctions (SCI/D) in Ontario, Canada. The study found that vaccine uptake in this population was comparable to the general population. Certain factors like age, injury type, income, and neighborhood characteristics influenced vaccine uptake within the SCI/D group.

Study Duration

December 2020 and December 2023

Participants

3574 individuals with SCI/D

Evidence Level

Not specified

Key Findings

1
Over 80% of the SCI/D population received full COVID-19 vaccine coverage within one year of vaccine availability.
2
Individuals with NTSCD were significantly more likely to receive full vaccine coverage compared to TSCI individuals.
3
Younger SCI/D individuals were less likely to obtain COVID-19 vaccines compared to the older population of 65 years or older.

Research Summary

This study investigated COVID-19 vaccination rates in the Ontario SCI/D population and identified the impact of various characteristics on vaccine uptake. The study found that over 80% of the community-dwelling SCI/D population received full COVID-19 vaccine coverage within one year after vaccine availability. Certain sociodemographic, clinical, and neighbourhood characteristics impacted the likelihood of receiving full coverage and boosters.

Practical Implications

Public Health Policy

Public health policy can be modified with increased awareness and sensitivity to sociodemographic data.

Vaccination Programs

Findings can inform policy to optimize interventions, and ultimately foster better health outcomes for people with disabilities.

Future Preparedness

Lessons learned can help develop more effective strategies for vaccinating vulnerable populations in future health emergencies.

Study Limitations

1
This is a closed-cohort study focused on a community-dwelling population with SCI/D diagnoses in Ontario.
2
The study is limited by the extent and type of data available in the databases.
3
This study assessed COVID-19 vaccine uptake based on the number of dosages received and did not clinically evaluate the type of vaccination.

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