ABOUT THE CAMPAIGN: THE CHALLENGE
Extensive research shows pervasive hesitancy and reluctance around the COVID-19 vaccines among the American public, with many Americans having significant questions. A widespread “wait and see” mindset could create a significant public health challenge for the country.
COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy is highly complex, with many factors coming into play, including fear, distrust, confusion, misinformation and complacency. Concerns about safety and side effects from COVID-19 vaccinations, driven by the speed of the clinical development process and the vaccines’ novelty; lack of knowledge; and distrust in the political and economic motives of the government and corporations are top of mind for some Americans.
Despite over 130 million Americans who have received at least one dose, 50% of the general public falls into the “movable middle,” —they want to know if the vaccines are safe—and that the benefits outweigh the risk. Their attitudes range from skeptical to open but uncertain. This low confidence is linked to significant gaps in trust—and those gaps are more pronounced among Black Americans and Hispanics who have also been disproportionately affected by COVID-19.