Poll: 25% of Americans Have Lost Someone to COVID Vaccine
A Quarter of Americans Believe Someone They Know Died from COVID-19 Vaccines
A recent poll conducted by Rasmussen Reports revealed that approximately 24 percent of Americans believe that someone they know died from side effects of the COVID-19 vaccine. This alarming statistic highlights the growing skepticism surrounding the shots.
Interestingly, the survey also found that about 69 percent of respondents claimed they did not know anyone who died from the vaccine. On the other hand, 47 percent of Americans reported knowing someone who died from the COVID-19 virus itself.
What’s even more concerning is that among those who knew someone who died from the virus, 41 percent also claimed to know someone who died from vaccine side effects. In contrast, only 9 percent of those who didn’t know anyone who died from the virus said they knew someone who experienced adverse effects from the vaccine.
It’s worth noting that political affiliation did not significantly impact the responses. Both Republicans and Democrats expressed similar levels of knowledge regarding vaccine-related deaths. However, government employees were more likely to report knowing someone who died from vaccine side effects compared to private sector workers.
Furthermore, the poll revealed that 42 percent of respondents would likely join a significant class-action lawsuit against pharmaceutical companies for vaccine-related side effects. Among them, 24 percent said they would be very likely to participate. On the other hand, 47 percent stated they would not join the lawsuit, while 11 percent remained unsure.
Increasingly Wary
Another survey conducted by the Annenberg Public Policy Center with the University of Pennsylvania shed light on the growing wariness towards COVID-19 vaccines. The poll, which involved 1,500 American adults, found that 63 percent of respondents believe that getting vaccinated is safer than contracting the virus itself. However, this figure represents a 12 percentage point decrease from April 2021 when 75 percent held the same belief.
Moreover, the survey discovered that the number of Americans who perceive the vaccine as unsafe rose from 18 percent in August 2022 to 24 percent in the latest poll conducted in October 2023.
Interestingly, the poll also revealed an increase in the number of Americans associating vaccines with autism. In April 2021, only 10 percent believed in this correlation, but in October 2023, that number rose to 16 percent. Specifically, more Americans now believe that the measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine is linked to autism, with 12 percent supporting this claim compared to 9 percent in June 2021.
Interestingly, the pollsters also found that the percentage of Americans endorsing the use of ivermectin—a drug previously criticized by media outlets and some health officials—to treat COVID-19 has risen from 10 percent in September 2021 to 26 percent in the latest poll.
The Annenberg Public Policy Center attributed the growing skepticism towards COVID-19 vaccines and other shots to an increasing belief in health misinformation. However, it’s important to note that federal agencies like the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) have also faced accusations of spreading misinformation. In fact, courts have ruled that the CDC, the White House, and other federal agencies are prohibited from communicating with social media companies regarding COVID-19 or vaccine-related posts.
Kathleen Hall Jamieson, director of the Annenberg Public Policy Center, expressed concern over the rising distrust in vaccines, stating that “growing numbers now distrust health-protecting, life-saving vaccines.” However, the poll did not delve into the reasons behind this increasing skepticism.
Despite the FDA and CDC’s approval of booster shots from Moderna, Pfizer, and Novavax, recent data suggests that the uptake of these boosters has been relatively slow. As of October 27, only around 15 million Americans, accounting for approximately 4.5 percent of the population, have received the latest shot.
Compared to the previous year, the number of individuals who received the initial booster shot was higher, with around 23 million people vaccinated by October 26. It’s important to note that the 2022 fall vaccination campaign began approximately 10 days earlier than the 2023 season.
What efforts should be made to improve vaccine education and literacy among the general population?
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These findings highlight the growing skepticism and misinformation surrounding COVID-19 vaccines. Despite overwhelming scientific evidence supporting their safety and efficacy, a significant portion of the population remains skeptical and even fearful of the shots.
One possible explanation for these beliefs is the influence of misinformation and conspiracy theories that circulate online and through social media platforms. Anti-vaccine advocates and conspiracy theorists have sowed doubt in the minds of many Americans, leading them to question the safety and effectiveness of COVID-19 vaccines.
It is crucial for public health officials and medical professionals to address these concerns and provide accurate information about the vaccines. By debunking myths and sharing scientific evidence, they can help ease vaccine hesitancy and encourage more people to get vaccinated.
Efforts should also be made to improve vaccine education and literacy. Many people may not fully understand how vaccines work or the potential risks and benefits associated with them. By providing clear and accessible information, individuals can make informed decisions about their health and the health of their communities.
Additionally, it is important to emphasize the positive impact of COVID-19 vaccines. These vaccines have played a vital role in reducing the spread of the virus, preventing severe illness and hospitalizations, and saving countless lives. Highlighting these successes can help counteract the negative narratives surrounding the vaccines.
Public health campaigns and initiatives should also focus on reaching vulnerable and marginalized communities who may have limited access to accurate information or face barriers to vaccine uptake. By addressing their unique concerns and ensuring equitable access to vaccines, we can work towards achieving widespread vaccination and ending the COVID-19 pandemic.
In conclusion, the finding that a quarter of Americans believe someone they know has died from COVID-19 vaccine side effects is concerning and indicative of the misinformation and skepticism surrounding the shots. Efforts must be made to address these concerns, provide accurate information, and promote vaccine education and literacy. By doing so, we can overcome vaccine hesitancy and protect the health and well-being of our communities.
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