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Disparity between expected spatial accessibility and actual travel time to vaccination sites: Implications for COVID-19 immunization delays

Year: 2025
Type: article
Study design: Observational Study
Abstract: The COVID-19 pandemic underscored the importance of equitable and timely vaccination access. This study examined the impact of discrepancies between actual and expected travel times to vaccination centers on the timeliness of full and booster COVID-19 vaccinations in Nueces County, Texas. Drawing on vaccination data from over 171,000 individuals aged 18 and older, we employed Cox proportional hazards models and survival analysis to explore how demographic characteristics, the Social Vulnerability Index (SVI), and geographic disparities influenced vaccination delays. Results revealed that longer-than-expected travel times significantly reduced the likelihood of timely vaccination (HR = 0.95 for full vaccination, HR = 0.89 for booster doses). Seniors demonstrated higher vaccination timeliness rates, but gaps persisted across gender, ethnicity, and race, with males and Hispanics experiencing greater delays. Interaction analysis highlighted compounded challenges for seniors and vulnerable populations when travel time discrepancies were larger. These findings emphasize the critical need for geographically targeted public health interventions to address socio-economic disparities and improve vaccine accessibility during health crises. • Longer travel times delay COVID-19 vaccinations. • Rural and vulnerable groups face greater vaccine access challenges. • Men and Hispanic individuals experience more vaccination delays. • Older adults are more likely to receive vaccines on time. • Better public health planning can improve vaccine access for all.
DOI: 10.1016/j.ssmph.2025.101804
Authors: Hossein Naderi, Ziba Abbasian, Yuxia Huang
Language: English
Subfield: Health
Open Access status: gold
Estimated APC paid: $2,930
OpenAlex ID: W4409422904
FWCI: 5.414
Cites: 31
Cited by: 5
Related to: 10