By Rédaction Africa Links 24 with Helen Branswell
Published on 2024-01-22 09:30:22
The Covid vaccine has lost its attraction in America. As frantic lineups for scarce doses have given way to widespread indifference, new rounds of boosters have drawn fewer people willing to bare their arms than before. The latest estimates from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention show that only 21.5% of American adults and 11% of children have received the Covid vaccine, in stark contrast to the flu vaccine, which has been received by 46.7% of adults and 47.5% of children. The chasm between the acceptance rates of the flu vaccine and the Covid vaccine is perplexing, given that the subset of Americans who regularly receive the flu vaccine would typically be expected to also get the Covid vaccine.
The reasons for this disparity are complex and multifaceted, according to experts who study vaccine acceptance and hesitancy. People who study vaccine acceptance see this demographic as a missed opportunity, noting that if routine flu vaccine recipients can be convinced to receive the Covid vaccine, it would significantly increase uptake. Yet, they found that even this group is declining the Covid vaccine.
Several factors contribute to this divergence. There is a political aspect to Covid vaccinations that isn’t present with the flu vaccine, as getting a Covid vaccine has become a symbol of a certain political identity. Additionally, concerns about the safety, effectiveness, and the new messenger RNA platform used by the Pfizer and Moderna vaccines have led to skepticism. The unprecedented speed at which the vaccines were developed also fosters unease among some individuals. Furthermore, discussions about whether additional booster shots are necessary could be fueling doubt among those who are otherwise open to vaccination.
Persistent ambivalence and fatigue among primary care providers about recommending additional Covid shots may also be contributing to vaccine hesitancy. However, these ambivalent discussions are not lost on those who are considering getting vaccinated, and may lead to fatigue and confusion among the public, ultimately undervaluing the importance of the Covid vaccine.
In conclusion, the lack of widespread enthusiasm for the Covid vaccine is a cause for concern, and addressing the multifaceted reasons for this hesitancy is an urgent public health imperative.
Read the original article on Africa Health News
