Public Attitudes

Only 45% of Americans age 50 and older say they're likely to get the updated COVID-19 vaccine this season, according to a poll today from the University of Michigan. 

The poll shows many at high risk of severe illness appear unlikely to seek the vaccine, and interest in an updated vaccine varies widely by age-group, education level, and other factors.

The results come from the National Poll on Healthy Aging conducted in August. At the time of polling, new COVID vaccines were not yet widely available, but they had been approved for use and endorsed by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. 

...

About half of Americans plan to skip COVID and flu shots. A doctor explains why that is "very concerning." It's critical to get COVID and flu vaccinations as we head into the fall and winter months, an infectious disease expert said. CBS News

...

Study: Highlighting harms of skipping COVID vaccines more effective than promoting benefits In the personal-benefit group, 65.5% said they will likely get vaccinated. CIDRAP

A new study in the Journal of Public Health suggests that it is more effective to emphasize the harms that come from not getting vaccinated rather than emphasizing the benefits of vaccination at the individual or community level.

...