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Open Access 01-12-2024 | COVID-19 | Research

The role of vaccine status homophily in the COVID-19 pandemic: a cross-sectional survey with modelling

Authors: Elisha B. Are, Kiffer G. Card, Caroline Colijn

Published in: BMC Public Health | Issue 1/2024

Abstract

Background

Vaccine homophily describes non-heterogeneous vaccine uptake within contact networks. This study was performed to determine observable patterns of vaccine homophily, as well as the impact of vaccine homophily on disease transmission within and between vaccination groups under conditions of high and low vaccine efficacy.

Methods

Residents of British Columbia, Canada, aged ≥ 16 years, were recruited via online advertisements between February and March 2022, and provided information about vaccination status, perceived vaccination status of household and non-household contacts, compliance with COVID-19 prevention guidelines, and history of COVID-19. A deterministic mathematical model was used to assess transmission dynamics between vaccine status groups under conditions of high and low vaccine efficacy.

Results

Vaccine homophily was observed among those with 0, 2, or 3 doses of the vaccine. Greater homophily was observed among those who had more doses of the vaccine (p < 0.0001). Those with fewer vaccine doses had larger contact networks (p < 0.0001), were more likely to report prior COVID-19 (p < 0.0001), and reported lower compliance with COVID-19 prevention guidelines (p < 0.0001). Mathematical modelling showed that vaccine homophily plays a considerable role in epidemic growth under conditions of high and low vaccine efficacy. Furthermore, vaccine homophily contributes to a high force of infection among unvaccinated individuals under conditions of high vaccine efficacy, as well as to an elevated force of infection from unvaccinated to suboptimally vaccinated individuals under conditions of low vaccine efficacy.

Interpretation

The uneven uptake of COVID-19 vaccines and the nature of the contact network in the population play important roles in shaping COVID-19 transmission dynamics.

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Title: The role of vaccine status homophily in the COVID-19 pandemic: a cross-sectional survey with modelling
Authors: Elisha B. Are
Kiffer G. Card
Caroline Colijn
Publication date: 01-12-2024
Publisher: BioMed Central
Keywords: COVID-19
Vaccination
Published in: BMC Public Health / Issue 1/2024
Electronic ISSN: 1471-2458
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1186/s12889-024-17957-5

Keynote webinar | Spotlight on medication adherence

Springer Medicine

The role of vaccine status homophily in the COVID-19 pandemic: a cross-sectional survey with modelling

Abstract

Background

Methods

Results

Interpretation

Keynote webinar | Spotlight on medication adherence

Springer Medicine

Abstract

Background

Methods

Results

Interpretation

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