1 in 5 Americans still refuse COVID-19 vaccine: survey

More Americans than ever are ready and willing to receive the COVID-19 vaccine, according to the latest Axios-Ipsos coronavirus index.

Only one in five Americans refuse the COVID-19 vaccination, the pollster said Tuesday, which means opposition to the vaccine is waning across the country. The number of those who say they are strongly against shooting has also fallen to its lowest level, at 14%.

Still, social distancing remains a high priority for half of Americans, who say they stay home as much as possible amid the recent surge in coronavirus infections.

The results come as the Delta variant rises across the United States. Studies have shown that while vaccinated people can become infected with COVID-19 and potentially transmit the disease to others, their likelihood of developing serious illness is considerably lower. The United States added 160,000 new cases in the past seven days – the highest weekly average since January.

Meanwhile, Americans may also gain confidence in the vaccine following the recent approval of the Pfizer vaccine by the Food and Drug Administration, after receiving emergency clearance in 2020 to move forward with research. more solid. Many had been hesitant to shoot until the FDA could guarantee its effectiveness.

The poll also revealed a reluctance to resume business as usual. Some 60% of Americans believe they would be at “high or moderate risk” of coronavirus infection if they returned to their pre-pandemic lifestyle. However, they are also leaving their homes more, as 56% said they had gone out to eat or visit another’s home in the past week.

Parents are particularly eager to see their children vaccinated since now more than two-thirds, or 68%, plan to be vaccinated or have already received their vaccine. Opposition to childhood immunizations has fallen to less than 31%.

Meanwhile, a majority of Americans – up to 70% – support the use of masks in public spaces, including schools. And while 80% of Americans support immunizations, only 57% agree that employers have the right to demand them.