COVID-19 has rapidly instigated a global pandemic. Development of a vaccine is proceeding at an unprecedented pace. Once available, it will be essential to maximize vaccine uptake and coverage. This cross-sectional survey, fielding from 16th through 20th April 2020, was conducted to assess the intent to be vaccinated against COVID-19 among a representative sample of adults in the United States and identify predictors and reasons for vaccine hesitancy. Approximately a thousand adults were drawn from the AmeriSpeak probability-based research panel, covering approximately 97% of the U.S. household population.
The intent to be vaccinated against COVID-19 was measured by asking if they wish to be vaccinated, when a vaccine for the virus becomes available.
Response options were
- Yes
- No
- Not sure
Participants who responded with “no” or “not sure” were asked to provide a reason. A total of 991 AmeriSpeak panel members responded, out of which:
- 57.6% intended to be vaccinated,
- 31.6% were not sure,
- 10.8% did not intend to be vaccinated at all.
Reasons for vaccine hesitancy included vaccine-specific concerns, a need for more information, anti vaccine attitudes or beliefs, and a lack of trust. In conclusion, this national survey conducted during the coronavirus pandemic revealed that approximately 3 out of 10 adults were not sure, and 1 out of 10 did not wish to be vaccinated against COVID-19.
Ref: https://www.acpjournals.org/doi/10.7326/M20-3569
