Given recent downward trends in daily rates of
COVID-19 vaccinations, it is important to reassess strategies to reach those most vulnerable. The success and efficacy of vaccination campaigns for other respiratory illnesses, such as
influenza, may help inform messaging around
COVID-19 vaccinations. This cross-sectional study examines the individual-level factors associated with, and the spatial distribution of, predictors of
COVID-19 severity, and uptake of
influenza and
hepatitis B (as a negative control)
vaccines across NYC. Data were obtained from the 2018 Community Health Survey (CHS), including self-reported
influenza and
hepatitis B vaccine uptake, diabetes,
asthma,
hypertension, body mass index (BMI), age, race/ethnicity, educational attainment, borough, and United Hospital Fund (UHF) neighborhood of residence. A CDC-defined
COVID-19 severity risk score was created with variables available in the CHS, including diabetes,
asthma,
hypertension, BMI ≥ 30 kg/m2 , and age ≥65 years old. After adjustment, there was a significant positive association between
COVID-19 severity risk score and
influenza vaccine uptake (1: ORadj = 1.49, 95% CI 1.28-1.73; 2: ORadj = 1.99; 95% CI: 1.65-2.41; 3+: ORadj = 2.89; 95% CI: 2.32-3.60, compared to 0).
Hepatitis B vaccine uptake was significantly inversely associated with
COVID-19 severity risk score (1: ORadj = 0.67; 95% CI: 0.57-0.79; 2: ORadj = 0.54; 95% CI: 0.44-0.66; 3+: ORadj = 0.45; 95% CI: 0.36-0.56, compared to 0). The
influenza vaccination campaign template is effective at reaching those most at risk for serious
COVID-19 and, if implemented, may help reach the most vulnerable that have not yet been vaccinated against
COVID-19.