Research Symposium

BIO

My name is Sophia Solomon, and I am from Fort Lauderdale, Florida. I am a senior at FSU studying Public Health, Public Administration, and Emergency Management. My research interests include maternal and child health, health disparities, social determinants of health, and vaccine hesitancy. After graduation, I hope to gain a job in the administration of a non-profit health organization and earn my Master's of Health Science degree.

Undergraduate Honors Project: What I Learned About Vaccine Hesitancy in Florida’s Urban and Rural Communities

Abstract

Vaccinations are a critical tool in public health, yet disparities exist in vaccine uptake. In the recent COVID-19 pandemic, the necessary nature of getting vaccinated was devastatingly evident. Geographic location, particularly urban versus rural residency, may influence access and willingness to vaccinate. Understanding these differences can help guide targeted public health interventions. This study examines the relationship between geography and COVID-19 vaccination rates in Florida. It aims to determine whether urban or rural counties experience discrepancies in vaccination uptake, explore the factors contributing to these differences, and use literature to explain any differences. A quantitative analysis using logistic regression in SPSS and other exploratory data analysis methods compared vaccination rates between urban and rural counties in Florida. Data from 2021-2023 will be collected from the Census Bureau and the Florida Health Charts. A content analysis will complement the statistical findings, identifying key social determinants influencing vaccination rates. Peer-reviewed sources published since 2020 will be analyzed to uncover underlying themes and relationships. Preliminary findings suggest rural counties have lower COVID-19 vaccination rates than urban counties. Other significant variables that coincide with rural counties are income, education, and political affiliation. Geographic classification acts as a proxy for social determinants of health such as healthcare access, education, and transportation. These upstream factors likely contribute to the observed disparities. Understanding geographic disparities in vaccination rates is crucial for designing equitable public health interventions. Findings will inform targeted strategies to improve vaccine access and uptake in rural areas.

Keywords: Vaccine, COVID-19, Rural