COVID-19 outbreaks have been reported in homeless shelters across the United States.[1] Many persons experiencing homelessness are older adults or persons with underlying medical conditions, placing them at increased risk for severe COVID-19–associated illness. The proportion of persons experiencing homelessness who are fully vaccinated against COVID-19 in the United States is currently unknown. Many persons experiencing homelessness express a willingness to receive the COVID-19 vaccine.[2,3]
Through conversations with public health and housing assistance partners, CDC identified six* urban public health jurisdictions with data on vaccination coverage among persons experiencing homelessness. These six jurisdictions reported data on COVID-19 vaccinations†administered to persons experiencing intermittent homelessness during December 13, 2020–August 31, 2021. Full vaccination status§ and evidence of coverage with at least 1 COVID-19 vaccine dose¶ among persons experiencing homelessness were obtained by performing data linkage between immunization information systems and homeless services data systems or through data collection during vaccination events at homeless service sites. Total populations of persons experiencing homelessness were estimated using either the total number of persons accessing homeless services during the study period or an annual census of persons experiencing homelessness.** Vaccination coverage and size of the general population in each jurisdiction were obtained from CDC’s COVID Data Tracker††or from local health departments. The percentage point differences in vaccination coverage between persons experiencing homelessness and the general population were calculated, along with 95% CIs. This activity was reviewed by CDC and was conducted consistent with applicable federal law and CDC policy.§§
Full COVID-19 vaccination coverage among persons experiencing homelessness ranged from 18.6% to 44.5% in the six jurisdictions compared with 43.6% to 59.8% in the general population in each jurisdiction or corresponding area (Table). In each jurisdiction, full vaccination coverage among persons experiencing homelessness was substantially lower (11.2–37.2 percentage points) than that among the general population of the respective jurisdiction. Coverage with at least 1 COVID-19 vaccine dose across the six jurisdictions ranged from 22.0% to 52.0% among persons experiencing homelessness, and from 46.5% to 65.7% in the respective general populations.
These estimates highlight relatively low COVID-19 vaccination coverage among persons experiencing homelessness compared with coverage in the general populations in a convenience sample of six jurisdictions. Estimating vaccination coverage for persons experiencing homelessness is challenging because housing status is not routinely collected in vaccination records. In addition, because homelessness could be temporary, estimating population size is difficult. Some health departments have overcome these challenges by fostering relationships with health clinics and homeless service providers. The use of integrated data systems to link deidentified, individual-level records across housing, health care, and public health systems is an emerging potential solution.
The findings in this report are subject to at least three limitations. First, because of varying data collection methods, comparison across jurisdictions was not possible. Second, the systems used for estimating homelessness rely on use of homeless services, and not all persons experiencing homelessness access these services, particularly persons living unsheltered. Finally, because of nonrandom selection and inclusion of only six jurisdictions, these findings are not generalizable to all persons experiencing homelessness in the United States, particularly in rural areas.
Given low COVID-19 vaccination coverage and increased risk for infection with SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19, in congregate settings,[4] it is important that state and local health departments continue to follow CDC guidance to plan and respond to COVID-19 among persons experiencing homelessness.¶¶ Vaccine access for persons experiencing homelessness can be enhanced by using multiple strategies,[5] including pop-up vaccination clinics in convenient locations, mobile clinics in partnership with trusted providers, and street outreach teams. COVID-19 vaccination coverage can be improved by strengthening partnerships across health departments, health care clinics, and homeless service providers. Furthermore, including persons who have experienced homelessness in vaccination planning is critical to helping ensure approaches are tailored to the needs of persons experiencing homelessness.