Title: “US Adults Divided on COVID-19 Vaccine, with Partisan Differences and Parental Concerns”
According to the latest KFF COVID-19 Vaccine Monitor poll, conducted between September 6 and 13, more than half of US adults remain skeptical about getting the new COVID-19 vaccine. Out of the 1,296 adults surveyed, 52% expressed that they will “probably” or “definitely” not get vaccinated.
In contrast, 23% of respondents claimed that they will “definitely” get the vaccine, while another 23% stated that they will “probably” get it. Interestingly, those who have made up their minds to get vaccinated are more likely to be Democrats and/or at least 65 years old.
Notably, 70% of Democrats are inclined to receive the vaccine, whereas only 24% of Republicans expressed the same sentiment. These findings suggest a clear partisan divide when it comes to COVID-19 precautions, with 58% of Democrats likely to take extra precautions compared to a mere 16% of Republicans.
Surprisingly, despite the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s (CDC) recommendations, over half of parents surveyed said they would “probably” or “definitely” not vaccinate their children with the new COVID-19 vaccine. Despite this hesitancy, a majority of adults (68%) and parents (55%) support the idea of requiring vaccines for healthy children.
Furthermore, the survey also revealed that people are more willing to get the flu shot and new respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) vaccine than the COVID-19 vaccine. According to Dr. Marc Siegel, a renowned medical expert, the decision to get the new vaccine should be a personal one, but should also consider factual information.
Dr. Siegel suggests that individuals who are at higher risk, such as children and older adults with underlying health conditions, should consider receiving the COVID-19 vaccine. He also recommends that everyone, regardless of their risk factors, should get the flu shot. Additionally, the new RSV vaccine is particularly important for elderly individuals.
For pregnant women, Dr. Siegel advises discussing the matter with their obstetricians and making decisions on a case-by-case basis.
These survey findings highlight the challenges associated with vaccine uptake in the United States. While political and parental concerns persist, medical experts stress the importance of making informed decisions based on one’s personal circumstances and the available facts. As the nation continues its battle against COVID-19, these insights will play a crucial role in shaping public health policies moving forward.
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