COVID-19 Vaccine Hesitancy Estimates for U.S. Public Use Microdata Areas

U.S. sub-state level predictions of COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy rates, developed by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. Estimates are based on the Household Pulse Survey and the 2019 American Community Survey, focusing on data from the collection period May 26 to June 7, 2021. The data is aggregated at the Public Use Microdata Area (PUMA) level, where each area contains at least 100,000 people.

Use Cases

• Model hesitancy rates at the PUMA geographic level using sociodemographic predictors from the American Community Survey.
• Analyze the relationship between state-level hesitancy estimates from the Household Pulse Survey and sub-state predictions.
• Support local public health communication by mapping hesitancy rates across metropolitan statistical areas and county parts.
• Investigate sociodemographic and geographic information, such as region and state, as correlates of vaccine intention.

Strengths

• Data is derived from two nationally representative federal surveys: the Household Pulse Survey and the American Community Survey.
• Provides geographic granularity at the Public Use Microdata Area level, with each PUMA containing a minimum of 100,000 people.
• Estimates are based on a specific and documented survey collection period (Week 31, May 26 to June 7, 2021).

Limitations

• Hesitancy estimates for the specified period are not directly comparable to prior Household Pulse Survey data due to a change in the survey instrument.
• The core predictive model relies on the 2019 American Community Survey data, which may not reflect demographic shifts during the pandemic.
• The dataset's primary temporal coverage is a narrow two-week window in mid-2021, limiting analysis of trends over time.

Provenance

Source

United States Department of Health and Human Services, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Collection Method

Predictions generated by the Office of the Assistant Secretary for Planning and Evaluation (ASPE) using Household Pulse Survey data and 2019 American Community Survey microdata.

Time Range

Primary survey collection period: May 26, 2021 to June 7, 2021 (Household Pulse Survey Week 31).

Freshness

Data reflects survey responses from May 26 to June 7, 2021; metadata was last updated in February 2026.

Geography

United States, with estimates at state, county, and Public Use Microdata Area (PUMA) levels.