Convincing people in rural areas to get vaccinated against COVID-19 continues to be a challenge.

The latest data from the CDC shows the vaccination rate in rural areas remains much lower than in urban areas. Since December, the total number of deaths by the virus in rural areas has exceeded that of metropolitan areas.

The disparity can be attributed to a number of factors, including a greater lack of health insurance among those in rural areas, a larger presence of chronic diseases and a higher population of people older than 65. 

That's according to the CDC, which is currently focused on trying to improve vaccine access for rural communities.