Family, friends and primary care physicians can have a huge influence on those who are vaccine-hesitant, according to a new report by the Kaiser Family Foundation.
In January, Kaiser interviewed adults about their vaccine intentions as part of its COVID-19 Vaccine Monitor, an ongoing research project. One in 5 adults who expressed skepticism about getting vaccinated against the COVID-19 virus said they ultimately decided to do so because of influence from family members, friends and their personal physicians. More than two-thirds of that cohort cited protecting their families and friends and being able to see them as the main reasons for getting the vaccine.
The report also found the vast majority (92%) of those who said they planned to get vaccinated as soon as possible in 2021 have already received at least one shot. Slightly more than half of those who said they wanted to “wait and see” before getting vaccinated have gotten at least one shot. Nearly a quarter of those who have now been vaccinated told interviewers they feel safe and relieved since getting the vaccine.
