iGem Crete

The evolution of the acceptance of the covid-19 vaccine in the U.S.

June 15, 2021, George Angelakis

While looking back to a short time ago when vaccines were not still a thing may seem scary and nonsensical, the truth is that this time provides us with many useful data regarding the global perception of the pandemic and the vaccines, while allowing us to note any potential shifts in the public opinion.

In a survey that took place just some months after the start of the pandemic (mid-April 2020), researchers in the United States enquired a total of approximately 1000 adults drawn from the “AmeriSpeak” probability-based research panel, covering approximately 97% of the U.S. household population. Their questions solemnly revolved around their stance on a possible coronavirus vaccine and whether they’d be willing to receive it. In retrospect, the results seem rather erroneous yet we ought to keep in mind that they accurately reveal the prevailing atmosphere of last April.

This national survey that was funded by the “Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality” revealed that approximately 3 in 10 adults were not sure they would accept vaccination and 1 in 10 did not intend to be vaccinated against COVID-19.

The article at that time underlined that targeted and multipronged efforts will be needed to increase acceptance of a COVID-19 vaccine when one becomes available.

One year later, in April 2021 we see that those efforts have, at least partially, beared fruit. Of course there were other factors that have played an important role such as the prolonged lockdown periods or the ever increasing death toll that in one way or another “motivated” more people to receive the vaccine. Of course, since iGEM Crete cannot actually experience the American perception of the vaccines due to geographical reasons, we have decided to create a similar survey lead by one of our team members and head of “Human Practices” Evagoras Christodoulou.

Our survey will aim to push the boundaries of what people consider as vaccines and how open they are to new technologies or new types of vaccines that could prove crucial to the resolution of a pandemic. Stay tuned as the survey’s proceedings will be posted-and commented upon- here as well.