More Americans than ever are ready and willing to get the COVID-19 blow, according to the latest Axios-Ipsos coronavirus index.
Only one in five Americans rejects vaccination against COVID-19, the pollster said Tuesday, meaning that opposition to vaccines is declining across the country. The number of those who say they are firmly against the shot has also dropped to its lowest level, at 14%.
Still, social distancing remains a priority for half of Americans, who say they stay home as long as possible amid the recent rise in coronavirus infections.
The results occur as the Delta variant increases in the United States. Studies have shown that while vaccinated people can become infected with COVID-19 and potentially spread the disease to other people, their likelihood of developing serious illness is significantly lower. The United States added 160,000 new cases over the past seven days, the highest weekly average since January.
In the meantime, 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 authorization in 2020 to move forward with more solid research. Many had been reluctant to fire the shot until such a time that the FDA could guarantee its effectiveness.
The survey also revealed a reluctance to return to business as usual. About 60% of Americans believe they would have a “high or moderate risk” of coronavirus infection if they resumed their pre-pandemic lifestyles. However, they are also leaving their home, as 56% reported that they had gone out to eat or visit someone else’s house last week.
Parents are eager to see their children vaccinated, as now more than two-thirds, 68%, plan to receive or have already received their shots. Opposition to childhood vaccination dropped to less than 31%.
Meanwhile, the majority of Americans (up to 70%) support the use of masks in public spaces, including schools. And while 80% of Americans are likely to get vaccinated, only 57% agree that employers have a right to demand them.
