COVID-19 Vaccination Distribution in Alabama Counties: A Retrospective Study

This retrospective observational study evaluates Alabama’s Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) vaccine distribution plan and examines potential socioeconomic disparities of the distribution.COVID-19 vaccine distribution data from December 15, 2020, to March 25, 2022, obtained from the Alabama Department of Public Health (ADPH) were analyzed for 67 Alabama counties. Associations between county characteristics and vaccine distribution were assessed using Pearson correlations and linear models.Population size, number of hospitals, and number of nursing homes per county correlated significantly with vaccine distribution (p< .0001). Population size consistently influenced vaccine distribution across quarters. County Social Vulnerability Index (SVI) showed no significant association with vaccine doses per quarter. Alabama’s vaccine distribution aligned with national priorities, emphasizing healthcare personnel and adults over the age of 65. SVI did not significantly affect vaccine distribution, indicating equitable distribution across socioeconomic groups.