Use of Job Exposure Matrices to Inform COVID-19 Vaccine Promotion Among Non-Healthcare Workers in Chicago (April 2025)-Use of Job Exposure Matrices to Inform COVID-19 Vaccine Promotion Among Non-Healthcare Workers in Chicago

Use of Job Exposure Matrices to Inform COVID-19 Vaccine Promotion Among Non-Healthcare Workers in Chicago

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The study led by Frances R. Lendacki and colleagues examines the use of Job Exposure Matrices (JEMs) to enhance COVID-19 vaccine promotion among non-health care workers in Chicago, Illinois. Data were collected from COVID-19 case interviews conducted by the Chicago Department of Public Health (CDPH) between June 2021 and May 2022. The study sought to identify undervaccinated groups and optimize vaccine outreach by examining associations between occupational COVID-19 exposure risks and vaccination status among 3763 non-health care workers.<br /><br />JEMs classify job-related SARS-CoV-2 exposure based on three factors: frequency of indoor work, proximity to coworkers, and public interaction. The study grouped occupations into low, medium, and high-risk categories and utilized logistic regression to analyze vaccination rates.<br /><br />Findings reveal that before the Omicron variant wave, vaccination rates were lower among higher-risk workers (41%) compared to lower-risk workers (49%). However, this disparity vanished in the post-Omicron period, with both groups achieving a 75% vaccination rate. Specific demographics, like Black non-Latinx individuals and younger adults aged 18-29, were disproportionately represented in high-risk yet undervaccinated categories. <br /><br />The study emphasizes the importance of workplace-based vaccine promotion strategies to reach these vulnerable populations. However, immunization records must capture occupational data to effectively guide interventions and address vaccine disparities. The research highlights a critical need for including industry and occupation data in health and vaccination records, promoting tailored outreach and support for high-risk workforce communities prone to vaccine hesitancy due to socio-economic factors. This approach can strengthen public health efforts by focusing on workplaces as pivotal nodes for accelerating vaccine coverage and mitigating COVID-19 transmission.

Keywords

Job Exposure Matrices

COVID-19 vaccine promotion

non-health care workers

Chicago Department of Public Health

occupational exposure risks

vaccination disparities

workplace-based strategies

socio-economic factors

public health efforts

vaccine hesitancy