Characteristics associated with COVID-19 vaccination status among staff and faculty of a large, diverse University in Los Angeles: The Trojan Pandemic Response Initiative.

Objective: This study examined characteristics associated with being unvaccinated among a sample of university staff and faculty prior to university campus reopening for in-person learning in 2021.

Methods: Staff and faculty responded to an email invitation to complete an online survey. Survey questions included demographic data (race/ethnicity, age, sex), COVID-19 knowledge and behaviors, employment specific data including division and subdivision (healthcare vs. non-healthcare related division); and self-reported vaccination status. A multivariable logistic regression analysis was performed to determine significant characteristics associated with the likelihood of being unvaccinated for COVID-19.

Results: Participants identifying as Asian and Asian American (aOR = 1.44, 95% CI: 1.06, 1.96), Hispanic/Latinx (aOR = 1.73, 95% CI: 1.21, 2.49) or Multicultural/Other (aOR = 1.72, 95% CI: 1.24, 2.38) had greater odds of being unvaccinated compared to Non-Hispanic White participants. Other characteristics associated with greater likelihood of being unvaccinated included working as a university staff member (vs. faculty) (aOR = 1.69, 95% CI: 1.24. 2.30), decrease in income (aOR = 1.34, 95% CI:1.05, 1.71), inability to work remotely (aOR = 1.48, 95% CI:1.13, 1.93) and not traveling outside of the Los Angeles area (aOR = 1.46, 95% CI: 1.16, 1.83). Political affiliation as an Independent (aOR = 1.39, 95% CI:1.04, 1.85) or as something else (aOR = 3.84, 95% CI: 2.72, 5.41) were more likely to be unvaccinated compared to participants identifying as Democrat.

Conclusions: Several factors associated with racial and social disparities may delay the uptake of COVID-19 vaccination. This study highlights the need for targeted educational interventions to promote vaccination among university staff and faculty.