A recent poll reveals that a significant majority of American adults, about 59%, do not plan to receive a Covid-19 booster shot this fall, according to survey findings from the Healthcare Policy Group KFF.
The data indicates that 23% of adults are likely to skip the vaccine altogether, while 37% are committed to getting the shot. Interestingly, those hesitant about vaccination are more inclined to believe that U.S. vaccine policies pose serious risks to safety.
This information emerges as the former Trump administration is enacting notable changes to vaccine policies across the country.
Earlier this year, Robert F. Kennedy Jr., Director of the Department of Health and Human Services, announced that Covid-19 vaccinations will no longer be advised for healthy children and pregnant women. Furthermore, in June, he dismissed all 17 members of the independent Vaccine Advisory Committee for the CDC, replacing them with eight chosen appointees, many of whom have previously shown skepticism toward vaccines.
The poll also highlights a marked difference in vaccination intentions based on political affiliation. Around 60% of Republicans indicated they would likely not get the shot, compared to roughly 10% of Democrats.
Additionally, White adults appear to be the demographic most opposed to vaccination as colder weather approaches. In contrast, 32% of Black adults expressed unwavering intent to receive the Covid-19 vaccine this fall.
Notably, individuals aged 30 to 49 are the most likely to state they won’t take the vaccine, with 42% claiming they’ll “definitely” get a shot in the autumn.
As of July 29th, the U.S. seems to be facing another spike in Covid-19 cases, with high infection rates reported or anticipated in 40 states, including Florida, Texas, and New York, according to the CDC.
The KFF poll was conducted with a national representative sample of around 1,300 individuals from July 8th to 14th.
