Use of Job Exposure Matrices to Inform COVID-19 Vaccine Promotion Among Non-Health Care Workers in Chicago, Illinois.

BACKGROUND

Occupation, a risk factor for SARS-CoV-2 exposure, is excluded from immunization records. Identifying undervaccinated workers could optimize interventions to protect vulnerable populations.

METHODS

We analyzed health department case interviews (June 2021 to May 2022) to describe 3763 non-health care workers with COVID-19 in Chicago. Job exposure matrices categorized SARS-CoV-2 exposure risk through frequency of indoor work and proximity to the public and to coworkers. Logistic regression quantified associations between occupational risk and vaccination status.

RESULTS

Pre-Omicron vaccination rates were lower among high-risk versus lower-risk workers (41% vs. 49%). Post-Omicron rates did not differ (75%). Undervaccinated groups had disproportionately high occupational risk: 66% of Black-non-Latinx, 57% of 18- to 29-year-olds. Demographically adjusted models found no associations between occupational risk and vaccination.

CONCLUSIONS

Given demographic patterns of employment, workplace-based COVID-19 vaccine promotion can help reach undervaccinated communities. To inform interventions, immunization records must include occupation.