Only 46% of US Adults Are Planning to Get the COVID-19 Vaccine Booster

On September 27, 2023, KFF released the results of a survey that assessed how many people plan on getting the newest mRNA COVID-19 vaccine booster. The study's results revealed that only 46% of adults planned to get the updated booster, with only 23% stating that they would undoubtedly get the vaccine. The remaining 23% noted that they would probably get the newest booster.

Earlier this month, the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved updated COVID-19 vaccine boosters, which include components to target the XBB.1.5 variant. The following day, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) updated their vaccination recommendations.

“We have more tools than ever to prevent the worst outcomes from COVID-19,” said Director Mandy Cohen, MD, MPH, in the CDC statement. “CDC is now recommending updated COVID-19 vaccination for everyone 6 months and older to better protect you and your loved ones.”

Despite these recommendations, the KFF survey revealed that many people do not intend to follow the updated guidelines. Beyond the 19% of respondents who stated that they would probably not get the vaccine, 33% of survey participants noted that they would definitely not get the booster.

Although the statistics varied across different demographic groups, the percentage of respondents who stated they would definitely not get the vaccine was similar across various age groups. For example, 37% of those 30–39, 34% of 18–29-year-olds, and 33% of individuals 50–64 noted that they would definitely not get the vaccine; however, only 24% of those over 65 made the same claim.

In addition to insights into vaccinations based on age, researchers evaluated the trends in COVID-19 booster intentions with previous vaccination status. Approximately 45% of participants had gotten the COVID-19 vaccine and intended to get the booster; however, 27% of respondents who had received the vaccine did not intend to get the updated booster.

Even more jarringly, most parents did not intend to get their children vaccinated with the updated formulations.

Over 65% of participants with children between 6 months and 4 years old stated that they did not plan to vaccinate their children. Similarly, 63% and 61% of those with children 5–11 and 12–17 said that they would probably or definitely not get their child vaccinated.

Compared to those who plan to get the COVID-19 vaccine, many more respondents, 58%, stated that they intended to get the influenza vaccine.

As we enter cold and flu season, where people are more likely to contract respiratory infections, it is crucial that public health messaging emphasizes the safety and critical importance of getting vaccinated.

“Vaccination remains critical to public health and continued protection against serious consequences of COVID-19, including hospitalization and death,” said Peter Marks, MD, PhD, director of the FDA’s Center for Biologics Evaluation and Research (CBER), in the FDA release. “The public can be assured that these updated vaccines have met the agency’s rigorous scientific standards for safety, effectiveness, and manufacturing quality. We very much encourage those who are eligible to consider getting vaccinated.”