COVID-19 Vaccine Hesitancy Rises Amidst Summer Surge, Fueled by Misinformation
A new study by the Annenberg Public Policy Center (APPC) reveals a concerning trend: as COVID-19 infections and hospitalizations surge across the nation, public trust in COVID-19 vaccines is declining, fueled by the spread of misinformation. This shift in public opinion comes at a critical time, as the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) recently approved updated COVID-19 vaccines designed to provide broader protection against circulating variants. The APPC’s findings suggest that many Americans may forgo these updated vaccines, leaving themselves vulnerable to the virus and potentially contributing to ongoing transmission.
The APPC’s 2024 Annenberg Science and Public Health (ASAPH) knowledge survey, a nationally representative study of nearly 1,500 U.S. adults, paints a stark picture of the growing influence of misinformation. A significant number of Americans now subscribe to demonstrably false claims about the vaccines. For example, the belief that COVID-19 vaccines have caused thousands of deaths has risen to 28%, up from 22% in 2021. Simultaneously, the percentage of those correctly recognizing this claim as false has dropped from 66% to 55%. Similarly, the misconception that contracting COVID-19 is safer than getting vaccinated has gained traction, rising from 10% in 2021 to 22% in 2024. The survey also reveals a near doubling in the number of people who falsely believe the vaccine alters DNA, up to 15% from 8% in 2021. These mistaken beliefs correlate strongly with vaccine hesitancy, posing a significant challenge to public health efforts.
Complicating the landscape further is a declining level of concern about COVID-19. Only 20% of respondents expressed worry about contracting the virus or witnessing a family member become infected, a marked decrease from 25% in February 2024 and 35% in October 2023. This reduced sense of urgency likely contributes to the declining interest in vaccination. Less than half (44%) of respondents in February 2024 indicated they were likely to get a yearly COVID-19 vaccine if recommended by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), down from 52% in June 2023.
Public perception of the COVID-19 vaccine’s safety and effectiveness also lags behind other vaccines. While two-thirds of respondents believe the benefits of the COVID-19 vaccine outweigh the risks, this percentage is notably lower than the corresponding figures for other vaccines, including mpox (70%), RSV for adults 60 and older (74%), and MMR (89%). Furthermore, the October 2023 survey revealed that fewer people consider the COVID-19 vaccine safe (66%) and effective (65%) compared to vaccines for MMR (81% safe, 83% effective), flu (81% safe, 75% effective), shingles (78% safe, 73% effective), and pneumonia (74% safe, 69% effective). This discrepancy further underscores the challenge of promoting COVID-19 vaccination.
Looking ahead, the survey explored public receptiveness to a hypothetical trivalent mRNA vaccine offering combined protection against flu, RSV, and COVID-19. Less than half (49%) of respondents expressed a likelihood of taking such a vaccine if recommended by the CDC, while a significant portion (27%) stated they were unlikely to do so. This hesitancy highlights the ongoing need for clear and effective communication about the benefits of combined vaccination strategies. The findings suggest that a concerted effort is needed to rebuild public trust in vaccines and combat the spread of misinformation.
The ASAPH report, available as a free download from the Annenberg Public Policy Center, provides a detailed analysis of these findings, along with additional insights into public health knowledge and attitudes. It also tracks trends in vaccination rates for other diseases, including flu and RSV, and examines public confidence in key health institutions such as the CDC, FDA, and NIH. The survey data reveals declining flu vaccination rates, mirroring CDC data showing a drop in coverage. Similarly, acceptance of the RSV vaccine for older adults has decreased, with fewer individuals likely to recommend the vaccine to their older friends and family members. A significant number of respondents also expressed uncertainty about the effectiveness of various vaccines, highlighting the need for ongoing public education campaigns.
The APPC emphasizes the urgency of addressing these trends. Given the ongoing threat posed by COVID-19 and the availability of updated vaccines, the APPC stresses the importance of raising public awareness about both the benefits of vaccination and the risks of infection. Combating misinformation and promoting accurate information about vaccines will be essential for protecting public health and mitigating the impact of future waves of COVID-19 and other infectious diseases. The ASAPH Knowledge Monitor, a project of the APPC’s Annenberg Health and Risk Communication Institute, plays a vital role in tracking these trends and informing public health strategies.