Mass Vaccination Redux: Why 4 in 10 Americans may refuse COVID-19 vaccines

Five ways to address vaccine refusal to speed our return to normal

In the coming days, there will likely be two emergency use authorizations for COVID-19 vaccines by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA): one from Pfizer and another from Moderna. Early reports suggest these vaccines are effective in reducing COVID-19 infections and safe from major adverse events.

A recent discussion topic with my doctor friends has been the coming mass vaccination of America: how the COVID-19 vaccine may return us to normal, and when. One memorable comment was from an ER physician from Ohio. In a straw poll of his ER nurses, remarkably none planned to get vaccinated.

Vaccines were a 20th century triumph. Undoubtedly the development of multiple effective COVID-19 vaccines in 9 months is one of the 21st century’s greatest scientific achievements to date.

Yet American vaccine hesitancy and refusal will be a major impediment to ending this pandemic. Estimated COVID-19 vaccine refusal rates fluctuate: a Gallup poll from October 19-November 1 estimated 58% of Americans would take the vaccine, up from 50% from September but down from 66% in July.