April 21, 2021 – The federal government-recommended April 13 break in the Johnson & Johnson vaccine hasn’t materially affected confidence in COVID-19 immunization, a new survey shows.
In fact, 76% of the 1,000 registered voters nationwide surveyed said the break did not reduce the likelihood of vaccination. In addition, 87% of those who had already been vaccinated said that if they had to do everything all over, they would “definitely” be vaccinated again.
The survey also shows that the divide between Republicans and Democrats on vaccine uptake is narrowing. For example, 60% of Trump voters and 72% of Biden voters agreed with this statement: “The bottom line is, COVID-19 vaccines save lives, and Americans should keep getting vaccinated as soon as possible.”
“I’m pleasantly surprised,” said Dr. Kathleen Neuzil after reviewing the results.
“We in the vaccine community understand that these rare adverse events are worrying and frightening. It is thanks to the FDA and CDC that they have clearly communicated the reason for the hiatus and the very low risk of these events,” said Neuzil, director of the Center for Vaccine Development and Global Health at the University of Maryland Medical School in Baltimore.
“I also owe the media for fair and objective coverage of the incident,” she added.
The FDA and CDC recommended the break after six people developed rare but serious blood clots within two weeks of receiving the Johnson & Johnson vaccine. One of them died. At least two other cases are still under review.
The survey was conducted April 15-16 by Dr. Frank Luntz for the de Beaumont Foundation. Luntz is a nationally known political advisor and pollster who typically works for Republicans.
Just under two-thirds of respondents, 61%, believe the vaccines are safe and effective. That sentiment was shared by 60% of Trump voters and 66% of Biden voters.
However, more than three in ten respondents, 32%, said they would never receive a Johnson & Johnson vaccine specifically. The split was 44% of Trump voters and 18% of Biden voters. Moderna and Pfizer also have vaccines that are approved for use in the United States.
“These results don’t surprise me,” said James McDeavitt, MD. “There seems to be a relatively small segment of the population who are tough on vaccines and whose opinion is unlikely to change.”
Most people’s reluctance depends on a variety of demographic factors, including ethnic background, socioeconomic status, urban and rural communities, and political affiliation, said McDeavitt, senior vice president and dean of clinical affairs at Baylor College of Medicine in Houston.
“As we experience more and more people who have been vaccinated, it is clear that all groups are feeling more comfortable,” he added.
Doctors play a leading role
“Americans recognize Johnson & Johnson’s vaccination hiatus for what it is – a clear sign that our safety protocols are working as they should,” said Brian C. Castrucci, Doctor of Public Health and President and CEO of de Beaumont Foundation said in a press release. “Government officials must continue to be transparent and use clear, consistent language about the vaccines.”
“The communication efforts are working for the most part,” added Luntz in the press release. “But reaching the more reluctant populations requires doctors and public health leaders, not politicians.”
Neuzil agreed that health care workers will be the key to reaching the more reluctant populations. “Research on other vaccines, including influenza vaccines in adults, suggests this[s] that a strong recommendation from a trusted healthcare provider can overcome the vaccine’s hesitation, “she said.
An isolated event?
Respondents also asked if, given the decision to pause the Johnson & Johnson vaccine, people believe that all COVID-19 vaccines will have more serious side effects.
A majority, 61%, believed the break was an isolated incident. In contrast, 39% believed “this is the first of many serious side effects we’ll hear about”.
Respondents also asked what should people do next, given the recommended break.
A total of 63% responded that people should continue to be vaccinated with the Pfizer or Moderna vaccines as soon as possible. Another 37% said they should wait to be vaccinated until there is more information about the side effects of the Johnson & Johnson vaccine.
Respondents also asked how people perceived the decision to pause the J&J rollout.
Fifty-three percent believed this was a good example of the strict security surveillance of COVID-19 vaccines to protect Americans. Another 29% thought this was a good example of why the COVID-19 vaccines may be unsafe, untested and should not be taken unless you absolutely have to. The other respondents were ambivalent and decided “I really don’t care”.
“I’m encouraged that the public is a lot smarter than some people think,” said McDeavitt. “People don’t respond to that [Johnson and Johnson] News – but weigh many factors. “
“When we gain experience, when people see friends and family are vaccinated, and when the benefits of vaccines increase[s] The hesitation will be more and more evident, “he predicted.
The survey shows an error rate of plus / minus 3%. The 1000 respondents included an over-survey of voters aged 18-34 to reflect demographic turnout in the 2020 presidential election.
The survey is the fourth in a series of national surveys aimed at “changing the COVID conversation”. The surveys are designed to enable more effective public health messaging during the pandemic among various populations, including Black Americans, Latino communities, Republicans, rural residents, and others.
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