The Biden administration has just launched a six-week initiative to engage older citizens and other populations disproportionately affected by the virus. The initiative also aims to simplify booster distribution. The findings coincide with a government attempt to bolster individuals prior to the winter and holiday seasons.
As per Health News, the survey revealed that only 22% of adults had received the vaccination, while 16% plan to do so soon. Adults aged 65 and older, who are at a greater risk of contracting COVID-19, are reported to have received the booster at a rate of approximately 39%, with an additional 16% stating that they aim to receive the booster soon.
According to the study, the majority of individuals who received the initial COVID-19 vaccine series have not received the booster because they do not believe it is necessary. A further one-third of respondents stated that they were too busy to receive the booster shot.
About 25% of individuals report that they did not receive the COVID booster in order to prevent adverse side effects. Another 17% say they will wait until a COVID-19 outbreak occurs in their area before purchasing the booster.
Seniors avoid the booster for identical reasons, with around one-third (36%) believing they do not need it. Seniors skip the booster because they believe the benefits are not worthwhile.
KFF adds that many of the debates and early protests over the COVID-19 pandemic vaccine requirements and mandates have affected how individuals perceive vaccines in general.
Even though the majority of the public continues to believe in the efficacy of childhood vaccines (such as MMR), fewer parents feel satisfied with school vaccination requirements for their children. Much of the opposition to vaccines is politically motivated.
According to a survey by the KFF:
Despite the absence of large political disparities in 2019, our poll reveals that Republicans and Republican-leaning independents are now less likely than Democrats to feel the benefits of MMR vaccines outweigh the dangers (83% vs. 91%).
There also appears to be a correlation between people who have not received the COVID-19 vaccine and their attitudes on school immunizations for children. 63% of adults without the COVID-19 vaccine feel that parents should be able to opt out of vaccinating their children so they can attend public school.
Although the survey results indicate that COVID-19 is less of a worry for the majority of individuals, health officials continue to emphasize the need for boosters to protect the most susceptible populations, including the elderly and those with underlying diseases such as asthma.
