May 21, 2025
Initiative-led research highlights disparities in childhood vaccinations
A new study conducted by the University of Washington’s Population Health Initiative has revealed the persistent racial disparities in childhood vaccination programs in Canada and the United States, stressing the need for comprehensive policy interventions addressing immunization barriers. Published in the journal Vaccine, the research compared both countries’ immunization programs over the past decade.
The UW research team discovered that despite both countries’ efforts to reduce the out-of-pocket costs of vaccination for families, significant racial disparities remain. Canada reported lower vaccination rates overall, while the U.S. had particularly low coverage among Black and Indigenous communities.
The study also revealed that limited vaccination coverage data often hinders efforts to address disparities. The researchers explain that Canada’s lack of comprehensive race and ethnicity data in vaccination limited their ability to analyze vaccination disparities.
Several barriers for improving vaccine equity were identified, such as limited healthcare access, public distrust in healthcare and the healthcare system’s fragmentation. The team also emphasized the need for a nuanced approach that weighs historical context, systemic barriers and individual experiences to help boost patient trust and community engagement.
The team offers several recommendations for policymakers and public health practitioners, which include improving data collection efforts, building trust through improved community engagement and addressing social determinants of health to improve access to healthcare and immunization services.