COVID-19 vaccine coverage among college students following vaccine mandates

• Published in: Journal of American college health pp. 1 - 5
• Main Authors: Couture, Marie-Claude, L'Engle, Kelly L, Swathi, Pallavi Aytha, Regan, Annette K
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: United States 09.01.2023
• Subjects: COVID-19 vaccines; disparities; university students; survey; vaccine predictors; vaccine mandates
• ISSN: 0744-8481; 1940-3208
• DOI: 10.1080/07448481.2022.2155460

Colleges are potential hotspots for transmission of SARS-CoV-2 due to lower immunization rates and possible close contacts among young adults. Some universities have implemented policies mandating COVID-19 vaccination; however, their effects remain uncertain. We estimated COVID-19 vaccination rates with and without university-mandated vaccination policies. A university-wide survey was conducted among 2,011 students. Students completed an online questionnaire on sociodemographics, COVID-19 vaccine status, and vaccine intention. Without university vaccine mandates, 76% of students would receive a COVID-19 vaccination, and with vaccine mandates, more than 82% of students would receive vaccination. Despite this improvement, we observed fewer changes in vaccine coverage for certain subgroups of students, indicating these policies could exacerbate ongoing disparities in COVID-19 vaccination rates. COVID-19 vaccine mandates on campuses are likely to increase vaccination rates modestly. However, interventions will likely be required to supplement vaccine mandates.