Poll finds more than 70% of Kentuckians have gotten, will get COVID-19 vaccine
A recent poll by the Foundation for a Healthy Kentucky reveals more than 70% of Kentuckians will get or already received the COVID-19 vaccine.Of the 800 people randomly surveyed, women, Democrats and those in urban communities make up the confident group.Men, Republicans and those living in rural communities were more hesitant to receive the COVID-19 vaccine. That group made up about 29% of Kentuckians who said they would probably not or definitely not get the shot.Still, the poll found that half of Kentucky adults who are currently reluctant to receive the vaccine said they are opening to changing their minds if they had more information.“We’ve really got a shot at achieving herd immunity here in Kentucky,” said Ben Chandler, president and CEO of the Foundation for a Healthy Kentucky. “I’m encouraged that vaccine-hesitant people are willing to consider additional information about the vaccines. That’s why our current PSAs directly address common questions and concerns about the vaccines and respond clearly with scientific evidence.”According to researchers, 70 to 85% of the population needs to be vaccinated before herd immunity is achieved. Officials said that’s because the more contagious disease, the higher percentage it takes to reach herd immunity.Related: Governor promises to remove some restrictions after 2.5 million Kentuckians get vaccineFoundation officials said amid the current decision to pause distribution of the Johnson & Johnson single-dose vaccine, researchers said the benefits of getting vaccinated outweigh the risks, and one of those benefits is getting the state to herd immunity. That would mean fewer restrictions on gatherings and businesses.Allison Adams, vice president of policy for the Foundation for a Healthy Kentucky, said while the Johnson & Johnson news may be concerning to some people, the challenges can still be overcome and residents should just continue to ask questions.The poll also found that the motivation by Kentuckians to get the vaccine is more of a personal choice. Others believe it’s a community responsibility.The release of the poll’s findings come just days after Gov. Andy Beshear stressed the importance of getting residents vaccinated by promising to lift restrictions on capacity, distance and curfews for several businesses. He said before that can happen, the state needs to have 2.5 million residents vaccinated.The Foundation for a Healthy Kentucky said it would conduct another survey later this year to see if participants changed their minds.Click here to read more about the survey.
A recent poll by the Foundation for a Healthy Kentucky reveals more than 70% of Kentuckians will get or already received the COVID-19 vaccine.
Of the 800 people randomly surveyed, women, Democrats and those in urban communities make up the confident group.
Men, Republicans and those living in rural communities were more hesitant to receive the COVID-19 vaccine. That group made up about 29% of Kentuckians who said they would probably not or definitely not get the shot.
Still, the poll found that half of Kentucky adults who are currently reluctant to receive the vaccine said they are opening to changing their minds if they had more information.
“We’ve really got a shot at achieving herd immunity here in Kentucky,” said Ben Chandler, president and CEO of the Foundation for a Healthy Kentucky. “I’m encouraged that vaccine-hesitant people are willing to consider additional information about the vaccines. That’s why our current PSAs directly address common questions and concerns about the vaccines and respond clearly with scientific evidence.”
According to researchers, 70 to 85% of the population needs to be vaccinated before herd immunity is achieved. Officials said that’s because the more contagious disease, the higher percentage it takes to reach herd immunity.
Related: Governor promises to remove some restrictions after 2.5 million Kentuckians get vaccine
Foundation officials said amid the current decision to pause distribution of the Johnson & Johnson single-dose vaccine, researchers said the benefits of getting vaccinated outweigh the risks, and one of those benefits is getting the state to herd immunity. That would mean fewer restrictions on gatherings and businesses.
Allison Adams, vice president of policy for the Foundation for a Healthy Kentucky, said while the Johnson & Johnson news may be concerning to some people, the challenges can still be overcome and residents should just continue to ask questions.
The poll also found that the motivation by Kentuckians to get the vaccine is more of a personal choice. Others believe it’s a community responsibility.
The release of the poll’s findings come just days after Gov. Andy Beshear stressed the importance of getting residents vaccinated by promising to lift restrictions on capacity, distance and curfews for several businesses. He said before that can happen, the state needs to have 2.5 million residents vaccinated.
The Foundation for a Healthy Kentucky said it would conduct another survey later this year to see if participants changed their minds.
Click here to read more about the survey.
