According to the latest survey released by the KFF COVID-19 Vaccine Monitor, nearly half of all U.S. adults plan to get the newly recommended COVID-19 booster vaccine. The survey found that 23% of adults will definitely get the updated booster, while another 23% say they will probably get it. In contrast, 19% said they will probably not get it, and 33% stated that they will definitely not get it.
The new booster shots from Pfizer-BioNTech and Moderna, which are specifically formulated to target newer variants of COVID-19, are recommended for everyone aged 6 months and older. However, the survey revealed that a majority of U.S. parents do not plan to get the booster for their children.
Consistent with previous trends, the survey found that Democrats and individuals aged 65 and above are more likely to say they would definitely or probably get the updated booster. While the share of the American public who intend to get the new vaccine is higher than those who have received previous shots, it does not match the initial vaccine uptake seen in 2020.
It is worth noting that the survey results were released as COVID-19 hospitalizations in the United States surpassed 20,000 for the first time since mid-March. However, recent data suggests that the updated booster vaccines could provide additional protection against currently circulating variants, particularly for vulnerable populations such as the elderly and those with compromised immune systems.
Overall, the survey highlights the varying attitudes towards the COVID-19 booster vaccine among U.S. adults. With the ongoing rise in hospitalizations, health officials will continue to monitor vaccine uptake and encourage individuals to consider the benefits of receiving the updated booster for themselves and their children.
Sources:
– KFF COVID-19 Vaccine Monitor survey results.