SAN FRANCISCO (KCBS RADIO) – Currently, only about 7% of eligible people in the United States are estimated to have gotten the latest COVID-19 booster, which first became available early last month.
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Winter is fast approaching and a likely COVID-19 surge on the horizon, and there has already been an uptick in infections in some parts of the county.
Taking all of this into account, some are concerned about the lack of interest in getting the new shot and that people aren’t preparing properly for the months to come.
"Folks just aren't getting them," said Ben Rosenberg, a social psychology professor with the Dominican University of California.
"People are tired of thinking about and hearing about the pandemic," he said.
Rosenberg and other researchers believe it's critical that healthcare leaders include social science in the pandemic efforts – such as studying people’s thoughts and beliefs.
The way people respond to health messages should be taken into account, which will help better understand how and where to provide this sort of information.
"It takes place in an urgent care center, or a pharmacy – somewhere that folks visit quite often," said Rosenberg. "It's all about providing people with an opportunity right then and there."
Giving people the option to get the shot as soon as they feel even a little bit motivated is critical.
Only about 19.4 million Americans have received the latest booster, while another 200 million are eligible.
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