ST. LOUIS (KMOX) - A Missouri hospital advocacy group believes the state is due for a big bump in overall protection from the coronavirus now that all adults are eligible to receive the vaccine. But the chances of reaching herd immunity may be "a real challenge" if some minds aren't changed, the group says.
According to a new poll, 28% of Missourians say they won't get a COVID-19 vaccination. The Missouri Hospital Association (MHA) says it asked 800 residents about the vaccine and they believe hesitancy to get vaccinated is being driven by a lack of insurance, vaccine information, demographics and political views.
Those who don't get the vaccine are making it tougher for the state and country to reach herd immunity, says MHA CEO Herb Kuhn.
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“With vaccination now available to all Missourians ages 16 and older, and vaccine supply significantly growing, Missouri should be poised to experience a sharp increase in protection from COVID-19,” Kuhn says. "However, that protection — and the road to herd immunity — will be dependent on significant ongoing demand for vaccination. These data point to promise in meeting the bottom thresholds of herd immunity of approximately 65% but a real challenge in meeting the upper thresholds without a significant change in attitudes toward vaccination.”
The new report says people least-likely to receive the vaccine are African-Americans, self-identifying Republicans, those without insurance and younger Missourians (ages 18-44).
The MHA is working to teach all Missourians why everyone should get the vaccine.
“Despite ongoing public education efforts, too many Missourians remain unclear or unconvinced about the value of vaccination and the cost. Moreover, some of the polling results are counterintuitive," Kuhn says. "For example, the uninsured can receive the vaccine at no cost, which should reduce barriers."
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The new polling found 54% of the eligible adults already have gotten at least one vaccine dose, and an additional 11% more Missourians say they plan to get the vaccine.
Read the full report, here.
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