Zogby Poll Shows Nearly 6 in 10 Prefer to Wait or Outright Reject Getting COVID Vaccine
“These numbers show millions of Americans are afraid or uncertain about future effects of this next-generation vaccine.”
In perhaps the most in-depth polling on the topic of mRNA vaccines, a new nationwide poll of 1,000 U.S. adults, conducted by John Zogby Strategies, continues to show a large portion of the public has concerns over mRNA-based COVID-19 vaccines.
When asked whether they’ll take the first-time mRNA vaccine, a total of 55% prefer to either “wait and see if it negatively affects other people who get it” (39%) or “don’t want to take this new mRNA COVID-19 vaccine” (16%). Thirty percent report they “will take the mRNA vaccine as soon as it is available.”
Looking more closely at those choosing not to get the vaccine: 67% are fearful of side effects. A similar October 2020 poll showed that 59% were afraid of side effects, a growth of 8% points. In this same group, 39% are concerned because vaccine makers have liability protection.
“These numbers show millions of Americans are afraid or uncertain about future effects of this next-generation vaccine,” Pollster Jeremy Zogby said. “How will the CDC and FDA deal with this deeply rooted sentiment? In any event, they’ll have to deal with the reality that fear/hesitancy is intense.”
In other findings:
- African-Americans, those under 40, and parents of children under 17 consistently report the highest levels of concern surrounding the vaccine.
- When asked if respondents support COVID-19 vaccine mandates in their state, 45% support vs. 40% oppose.
- On a federal mandate, 44% support vs. 42% oppose.
- 36% of respondents agree that “the short and long-term effects of mRNA vaccines are largely unknown and could cause irreversible harm…”
- 34% report that the vaccine “will produce positive results for humankind in the near and long-term future.”
- 41% of participants agree the COVID-19 vaccine “makes me feel worried because it is being rushed…and needs a lot more testing.”
- 39% say the vaccine “makes me feel like safety is around the corner.”
- 35% oppose their employer requiring the mRNA vaccine, and nearly half (49%) of this same group say they would seek exemption.
The nationwide online poll was conducted on Dec. 14. The overall margin of error is +/- 3.2 percentage points.
Sign up for free news and updates from Robert F. Kennedy, Jr. and the Children’s Health Defense. CHD is implementing many strategies, including legal, in an effort to defend the health of our children and obtain justice for those already injured. Your support is essential to CHD’s successful mission.
