Children's Health Defense Says, According to New Zogby Strategies Poll, Nearly 6 in 10 Surveyed Prefer to Wait or Outright Reject Getting COVID-19 Vaccine; 4 of 10 Oppose Federal Mandate

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Children's Health Defense

Dec 23, 2020, 08:00 ET

WASHINGTON, Dec. 23, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- In perhaps the most in-depth polling on the topic of the mRNA vaccine, a new nationwide poll of 1,000 US adults, conducted by John Zogby Strategies, continues to show a large portion of the public has concerns over the mRNA-based COVID-19 vaccine.

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 indicate they "don't want to take this new mRNA COVID-19 vaccine" (16%). 30% 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 percentage points.  In this same group, 39% are concerned because vaccine makers have liability protection.

Pollster Jeremy Zogby states, "These numbers show millions of Americans are afraid or uncertain about future effects of this next-generation vaccine. 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 12/14/2020.  The overall margin of error is +/- 3.2 percentage points. Click here to see full crosstabs.

Contact:
Rita Shreffler
202-599-1461

SOURCE Children's Health Defense

Related Links

http://www.childrenshealthdefense.org

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