KFF Survey Reveals Confusion About Bivalent COVID Boosters

On August 31, 2022, the FDA approved Moderna and Pfizer Bivalent COVID boosters to replace the previously available monovalent boosters. Since then, the CDC and other public health organizations have monitored the public’s uptake and understanding of these vaccines. The Kaiser Family Foundation (KFF) conducted a COVID-19 Vaccine Monitor Poll, revealing that nearly 40% of adults are unsure if the CDC recommends that they get the bivalent boosters.

This survey found that there is confusion surrounding the bivalent COVID boosters. According to the data collected, only 17% of adults have heard “a lot” about the booster. A more significant proportion, 33%, have heard “some.” A similar proportion, 31%, have only heard “a little” about the bivalent boosters. Finally, 20% of adults say they know “nothing at all” about the boosters.

KFF states, “older adults and Democrats are somewhat more likely than their counterparts to say they have heard at least ‘some’ about the new boosters, but fewer than a quarter across these groups report hearing ‘a lot’ about the new shots.”

Beyond little recognition or understanding of the bivalent vaccines, less than 60% of adults over 65 know that the CDC recommends the bivalent vaccine. Additionally, that percentage decreases to 49% for adults between 50 and 64. Adults under the age of 30 have the greatest confusion rate, with 61% unsure of recommendations or under the assumption that it is not recommended. Of that 61%, 19% do not believe it is recommended.

Additionally, the KFF states that “four in ten fully vaccinated adults say they are not sure if the CDC has recommended that people like them get the bivalent booster, including about half of fully vaccinated rural residents (54%), Hispanic adults (51%), and those without a college degree (49%) who say they are not sure.”

Understanding the confusion surrounding vaccinations can give physicians and public health organizations a better idea of what needs to be addressed. Providers should consider providing comprehensive education to patients regarding the bivalent COVID boosters. Additionally, providers may consider emphasizing CDC recommendations to younger age brackets more likely to experience confusion.