Work

Experiences of discrimination and their impact on healthcare utilization: non-uptake of covid-19 vaccination

Year: 2026

Type: article

Abstract: Objective: This article examines the relationship between experiences of discrimination and COVID-19 vaccine non-uptake, with particular attention to the domains in which discrimination occurs (healthcare, employment, housing, and public services) and to the frequency of such experiences. Methods: The analysis draws on the most recent wave of the Epidemiology and Living Conditions (EpiCov) cohort survey, conducted in October 2022, which included 65,403 adults living in metropolitan France. Results: Although the vast majority of the population in France ultimately received the COVID-19 vaccine, a significant minority remained reluctant to take advantage of this free and widely accessible intervention. Our findings indicate that past experiences of discrimination exerted both specific and cumulative effects on vaccination behavior: discrimination encountered in interactions with healthcare professionals and public services had a stronger influence on non-vaccination than discrimination related to employment or housing. Moreover, the frequency of discriminatory experiences was positively associated with vaccine non-uptake. Importantly, these associations were not limited to racialized minorities. Conclusions: By adopting a broad perspective on discrimination, the study demonstrates that feelings of social exclusion contribute to vaccine non-uptake across all social groups.

Source: Frontiers in Public Health

DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2025.1732845

Authors: Nathalie Bajos, Alexis Spire, Antoine Sireyjol

Institutions: Inserm, Institut de Recherche Interdisciplinaire sur les Enjeux Sociaux, Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique

Language: English

Topic: Vaccine Coverage and Hesitancy

Subfield: Health

Field: Social Sciences

Domain: Social Sciences

SDGs: Good health and well-being, Reduced inequalities

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $3,801