Unusual Whales

60% Americans don't plan to get the most current COVID vaccine

Unusual Whales -

Six-in-ten Americans say they are unlikely to get the updated 2024-25 COVID-19 vaccine, according to an October Pew Research Center survey. Smaller percentages indicate they probably will get the vaccine (24%) or have already received it (15%).

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has recommended the updated vaccine for everyone aged 6 months and older to reduce the risk of severe illness and hospitalization during the fall and winter seasons.

Partisan Divide in Vaccine Intent

Attitudes toward the updated vaccine are sharply divided along partisan lines. Democrats and Democratic-leaning independents are significantly more likely than Republicans and Republican leaners to say they intend to get the vaccine. This divide is especially pronounced among adults aged 65 and older—a group at higher risk for severe illness.

Key Findings:

  • Democrats: 39% say they will likely get the vaccine, and 23% report already having received it.
  • Republicans: 81% say they probably won’t get the vaccine.

This pattern mirrors trends observed throughout the pandemic, with Democrats consistently more likely than Republicans to stay up-to-date on COVID-19 vaccinations.

Age Differences in Vaccine Intent

Older adults are more inclined to get the updated vaccine compared to younger age groups:

  • Ages 65+: 54% say they either plan to get the vaccine (27%) or have already received it (27%).
  • Under 65: Majorities in these groups indicate they do not intend to get the updated vaccine.

Age and Partisan Affiliation

Among adults aged 65 and older, political affiliation significantly influences vaccine intent. Democrats in this age group are 54 percentage points more likely than Republicans to say they plan to get or have already received the vaccine (84% vs. 30%).

Historical Context:

  • In 2021, when the first vaccines became widely available, the gap between fully vaccinated Democrats and Republicans aged 65 and older was much smaller (93% vs. 78%).

Variations Within Each Party:

  • Among Democrats, vaccine uptake increases with age:
    • Ages 18-29 and 30-49: 53% plan to get or have received the vaccine.
    • Ages 50-64: 66%.
    • Ages 65+: 84%.
  • Among Republicans, age differences are less pronounced, with most in every age group expressing reluctance to get the vaccine.