Intrastate inequality of COVID-19 vaccination coverage: spatial analysis and socioeconomic, Santa Catarina, 2021-2023.

OBJECTIVE

To analyze the distribution of COVID-19 vaccination coverage in Santa Catarina, Brazil, and its association with socioeconomic aspects of the state's municipalities between 2021 and 2023.

METHODS

We analyzed data on individuals aged 12 and over, with a full three-dose vaccination schedule. The independent variables included educational data, municipal human development and racial composition of municipalities. We analyzed the evolution and spatial distribution of vaccination coverage, identifying clusters of municipalities and calculating absolute ratios and differences between the highest and lowest quintiles of vaccination coverage.

RESULTS

Vaccination coverage in the state as a whole was 26.9% for adolescents, 50.3% for adults and 78.8% for the elderly. Municipalities with higher vaccination coverage had 5.4 times more people vaccinated in the 12-17 age group, 2.1 times more in the 18-59 age group and 1.4 times more in the population aged 60 and over. Municipalities with a higher educational level, a lower Black population proportion and a lower municipal human development index had higher vaccination coverage. These disparities were persistent. Clusters of municipalities with high vaccination were found.

CONCLUSION

There were disparities in the state's vaccination coverage, with association between socioeconomic aspects of the municipalities.