Republicans vs. Democrats: A Prediction of COVID-19 Vaccine Hesitancy across Florida Counties

Authors

• Elli Ta, University of Central FloridaFollow
• Shanelle Han, University of Central FloridaFollow
• Lilly Fattizzi, University of Central FloridaFollow
• Josephine Schumacher, University of Central FloridaFollow

Streaming Media

Files

Course Code

STA

Course Number

4164

Faculty/Instructor

Professor Nathaniel Simone

Faculty/Instructor Email

nathaniel.simone@ucf.edu

Abstract, Summary, or Creative Statement

COVID-19 vaccine uptake varied widely across U.S. communities, suggesting that hesitancy is shaped by broader social and contextual factors. This study examines whether political affiliation and structural vulnerability predict vaccine hesitancy in March 2021 across Florida’s 67 counties. Using data from the CDC Social Vulnerability Index (SVI) and Florida voter registration records, we analyzed estimated hesitancy alongside political, structural, and demographic predictors. Exploratory analysis revealed strong relationships between political affiliation, social vulnerability, and hesitancy. A multiple linear regression framework was used to evaluate these effects. This study aims to identify key drivers of vaccine hesitancy and inform targeted public health strategies.

Keywords

COVID-19; vaccination; vaccine hesitancy; political parties; social vulnerability; linear regression

Recommended Citation

Ta, Elli; Han, Shanelle; Fattizzi, Lilly; and Schumacher, Josephine, "Republicans vs. Democrats: A Prediction of COVID-19 Vaccine Hesitancy across Florida Counties" (2026). High Impact Practices Student Showcase Spring 2026. 6.
https://stars.library.ucf.edu/hip-2026spring/6