As a group, Americans who want to wait and see how the COVID-19 vaccine works for others are younger and more diverse than those who want it ASAP.
Approximately one-third (31%) of the US public wants to "wait and see" how the COVID-19 vaccine works for other people before getting their own shot(s) in the arm, according to the latest analysis from the Kaiser Family foundation COVID-19 Vaccine Monitor Project.
Although this group can be considered vaccine "hesitant," KFF reports they are not as "monolithic" in their attitudes and beliefs. Those attitudes and beliefs also differ--across the lifespan and across racial lines. Understanding specific concerns, fears, and misgivings among different groups will be important not only for broad public health messaging but also for the critical one-on-one conversations that take place every day in primary care.
To find out more about the demographics in the "wait and see" group, click through this quick side-show review of the major findings.
Not Quite Yet. 31% of the US public say they want to “wait & see” how the COVID-19 vaccine is working for other people before they get it themselves. They are hesitant, but not dead set against it.
COVID-19 Vaccine "Wait & See" Concerns. 64% are either worried/somewhat worried they or a family member will get sick from the vaccine. Roughly the same share as in general public but lower than those with that concern in the ASAP group (79%).
COVID-19 Vaccine Wait & See Group Younger than ASAP Group. Those who want to wait and see are younger vs other groups (29% are aged <30, 15% are aged ≥65y).
COVID-19 Vaccine Wait & See Group More Diverse vs ASAP Group. They are a racially diverse group, with half (51%) identifying as White, 16% as Black, and 19% as Hispanic.
COVID-19 Vaccine Wait & See Group: Racial/Ethnic Differences in Issues of Trust
COVID-19 Vaccine Wait & See Group: Racial/Ethnic Fear of COVID-19 Infection
COVID-19 Vaccine Wait & See Group: Racial/Ethnic Concerns: Vaccine Safety/Efficacy
COVID-19 Vaccine Wait & See Group: Racial/Ethnic Concerns: Will Give me COVID-19
COVID-19 Vaccine Wait and See Group: Pro-vaccine messages that would make me more likely to get vaccinated:
Vaccines shown highly effective in preventing illness from COVID-19 and will protect you from getting sick.
COVID-19 Vaccine Wait and See Group: Pro-vaccine messages that would make me more likely to get vaccinated:
Quickest way to return to normal is for everyone to get vaccinated and millions have already been safely vaccinated for COVID-19.
COVID-19 Vaccine Wait and See Group: Pro-vaccine messages that would make me more likely to get vaccinated:
We need people to get vaccinated to get the economy back on track and there is no cost to get the vaccine.
COVID-19 Vaccine Wait and See Group: Pro-vaccine messages that would make me more likely to get vaccinated:
A doctor or health care provider you trust has gotten the vaccine and a close friend/family member got vaccinated for COVID-19.
The 3 Most Persuasive Vaccine Messages for the Wait & See Group
Those that emphasize that the vaccine:
1) is highly effective 2) offers protection from illness 3) provides the quickest way to return to normal life
