Gay and lesbian adults in the USA have a higher rate of COVID-19 vaccination that heterosexual people, a study has found. On 4 February, the Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) released how vaccination rates differ by sexual orientation and gender identity. “Lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) persons are at increased risk for severe COVID-19 illness because of a higher prevalence of comorbidities,” the report stated.
It revealed that gay men and lesbians aged 18 and over were vaccinated with at least one dose of a COVID-19 jab at a rate of 85.4% compared with 76.3% of their heterosexual counterparts.
This was mirrored when it came to confidence in the vaccines, as 76% of gay or lesbian adults stated that they were either completely or very confident in its effectiveness compared with just 64% of heterosexual respondents.
Bisexual adults believed getting a COVID-19 vaccination was somewhat or very important at a rate of 87% compared with more than 90% of gay or lesbians.