Association between COVID-19 Booster Vaccination and COVID-19 Outcomes among U.S. Adults

Understanding the association between booster vaccination and COVID-19 outcomes can help strengthen post-pandemic messaging and strategies to increase vaccination and reduce severe and long-term consequences of COVID-19. Using the Household Pulse Survey data collected from U.S. adults from 9 December 2022 to 13 February 2023 (n = 214,768), this study assessed the relationship between COVID-19 booster vaccination and COVID-19 outcomes (testing positive for COVID-19, moderate/severe COVID-19, and long COVID). Disparities were found in COVID-19 outcomes (e.g., testing positive for COVID-19, moderate/severe COVID-19, and long COVID) by sociodemographic characteristics, region of residence, food insecurity status, mental health status, disability status, and housing type. Receipt of a COVID-19 booster vaccination was negatively associated with testing positive for COVID-19 (aOR = 0.75, 95%CI: 0.72,0.79), having moderate/severe COVID-19 (aOR = 0.92, 95%CI: 0.88, 0.97), or having long COVID (aOR = 0.86 (0.80, 0.91)). Even among those who tested positive for COVID-19, those who received the booster vaccine were less likely to have moderate/severe COVID-19 and less likely to have long COVID. Communicating the benefits of COVID-19 booster vaccination, integrating vaccination in patient visits, and reducing access barriers can increase vaccination uptake and confidence for all individuals and protect them against the severe negative outcomes of COVID-19.