Analyzing the Association Between Disability Type and COVID-19 Vaccination Rates: Barriers to Access for People with Disabilities

Date of Award

6-2025

Degree Name

Doctor of Philosophy

Department

Interdisciplinary Health Sciences

First Advisor

Kieran Fogarty, Ph.D.

Second Advisor

Rob Lyerla, Ph.D.

Third Advisor

Mark Salzer, Ph.D.

Keywords

Access barriers, COVID-19 vaccination, disability, disability types, health equity

Abstract

People with disabilities represent a significant and diverse segment of the U.S. population that has historically encountered systemic barriers to healthcare access—barriers that were intensified during the COVID-19 pandemic. This study explores the relationship between disability type and COVID-19 vaccination status, as well as obstacles to vaccine access, using data from the 2022 National Survey on Health and Disability (N = 2,725). Disability types were categorized into six groups: physical, psychiatric, chronic illness, intellectual/developmental, sensory, and neurological. Descriptive statistics and chi-square analyses revealed a statistically significant association between disability type and vaccination status (p < .006), with the highest vaccination rates noted among individuals with chronic illness and intellectual/developmental disabilities. Logistic regression identified key barriers linked to reduced vaccine access, including the physical inaccessibility of vaccination sites, lack of preferred vaccine types, unavailability of appointments, and difficulties with scheduling systems. Notably, 25.6% of respondents reported experiencing at least one barrier. These findings highlight the importance of disaggregating disability data by type to assess disparities and inform equitable public health interventions more accurately. The study contributes to a growing body of literature advocating for inclusive and accessible healthcare systems that address the diverse needs within the disability community.

Access Setting

Dissertation-Abstract Only

Restricted to Campus until

6-1-2027

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