Regional Differences in Routine Vaccination Coverage Before and After the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Comparative Analysis of School-Aged Populations in Michigan and Georgia

Introduction: Social media plays a powerful role in shaping public opinion nationwide, especially regarding vaccinations in the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic. This data analysis aims to determine whether social media has significantly influenced regional differences in how vaccines for preventable diseases are perceived across the United States. This study aims to explore the potential difference in vaccine compliance rates in Michigan and Georgia before and after the COVID-19 pandemic. The decision to compare Michigan and Georgia was based on their similar population sizes and the opportunity to explore how regional differences may influence data trends within the U.S.

Methods: The target population of the study was directed towards school-aged children (Kindergarten through 12th grade) attending public school. Data was collected from CDC immunization coverage reports, state health department records, and exemption policy summaries from the periods of 2018-2019 and 2022-2024, illustrating differences in vaccine uptake before and after the COVID-19 pandemic. Data analysis was conducted by using a two-sample t-test to determine if there was a statistically significant difference in vaccine compliance rates in each of the respective states before and after the pandemic. A Two-Way ANOVA was used to explore if there was a difference in vaccine compliance rates between the different regions.

Results: Results show post-COVID routine vaccination coverage declined nationwide, with Michigan showing a sharper drop than Georgia, especially in counties with high philosophical exemption rates. Temporal analysis revealed that spikes in social media misinformation coincided with increases in exemption filings in both states.

Conclusion: Findings highlight the role of digital misinformation and suggest that stricter exemption policies and targeted counter-misinformation efforts may improve vaccine compliance and support evidence-based health education. policies and targeted counter-misinformation efforts may improve vaccine compliance and support evidence-based health education.