A recent survey by the Pew Research Center revealed that 60% of Americans are unlikely to get the most current COVID-19 vaccine, despite recommendations from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) for all individuals aged 6 months and older to receive the updated shot ahead of the respiratory virus season, Axios and the Hill report.
The findings highlight a significant partisan divide in vaccine uptake, particularly among older adults who are at higher risk of severe COVID complications. While 60% of Democrats said they have already received or plan to get the updated vaccine, only 18% of Republicans expressed similar intentions. Among seniors aged 65 and older, 84% of Democrats said they have gotten or will get the shot, compared to just 30% of Republican seniors. This sharp divide is a new development compared to earlier stages of the pandemic when vaccine hesitancy was less partisan.
For some, concerns about side effects are a major factor. Among those who are hesitant to receive the updated vaccine, 60% cited potential side effects as a key reason for their decision. In addition, 61% said they don’t feel the vaccine is necessary, while about 25% of respondents who are hesitant mentioned that they generally do not get vaccinated. Only a small percentage (5%) mentioned cost as a reason for avoiding the vaccine.
The survey also indicated differences in vaccine uptake based on racial and ethnic backgrounds. Black and Asian adults were more likely to report plans to get or have already received the updated vaccine than their white and Hispanic counterparts.
This trend of vaccine hesitancy, particularly among Republicans, comes as the U.S. continues to manage the COVID-19 pandemic. The first vaccines became available in 2021, and while the uptake was initially strong, some individuals have become more reluctant to receive booster shots over time.
The vaccine recommendations also come amid the potential influence of Robert F. Kennedy Jr., a vaccine skeptic and the nominee to lead the US Department of Health and Human Services in the next administration. Kennedy has been vocal in his opposition to COVID-19 vaccines and has previously spread misinformation regarding vaccine safety, which could influence future public health policies.
The Pew Research Center survey, conducted from October 21 to 27, included responses from 9,593 people, with a margin of error of 1.3 percentage points.
