Purpose: This study aims to examine the association between correctional staff occupational characteristics with vaccine uptake and severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2) infection.

Design/methodology/approach: SARS-CoV-2 infection and vaccination rates among 2,016 correctional staff in the Northeast (March 27, 2020 to September 13, 2022) were examined using a cross-sectional design. Using multiple logistic regression, the authors examined vaccination status and demographic and occupational characteristics associated with infection. Logistic regression was used to assess significant predictors of infection and whether the addition of initial vaccination better predicted infection.

Findings: About 63.9% of staff were vaccinated according to initial vaccination recommendations and 17.4% received at least one additional booster. During the study period, 47.7% tested positive for SARS-CoV-2. After adjusting for demographic and occupational characteristics, younger age, male sex, and no receipt of vaccination were significant predictors of infection. After accounting for variance in infection related to significant demographic and occupational factors, the addition of vaccination status better predicted infection among staff.

Research limitations/implications: Vaccination status differs by staff occupational and demographic characteristics, though vaccination saliently predicts infection when controlling for variance from those characteristics. Findings can inform future vaccine uptake efforts.

Originality/value: While controlling for important demographic and occupational factors, vaccine uptake predicted lower odds of SARS-CoV-2 infection among correctional staff.