Data from a recent study indicates that approximately one-third of U.S. respondents exhibited a persistent distrust in the scientific basis of COVID-19 vaccines between 2021 and 2023. This mistrust reflects a wider issue, as it highlights the challenges faced by health communicators in building vaccine confidence.
“This research provides valuable insights for policymakers and health communicators as they continue to navigate the ongoing challenge of global vaccine hesitancy,” the study’s senior author, CUNY SPH Dean Ayman El-Mohandes, said Monday in announcing the findings.
In 2021, it found that 36% of U.S. respondents expressed skepticism regarding vaccines. However, this figure dipped slightly to a little over 32% in 2022, only to rise again to more than 36% in 2023, illustrating the fluctuating nature of public trust in vaccine science.
According to researchers, higher trust levels were associated with male respondents, those with university degrees, and individuals with above-median income levels. These demographics play a significant role in shaping perceptions of vaccine efficacy and trust in health communications.
“Our findings underscore the critical role of trust in science during public health crises,” says ISGlobal Postdoctoral Fellow Trenton M. White, who was the study’s lead author. This statement emphasizes the importance of fostering scientific credibility amid health emergencies.
It outlines that individuals who lost a family member or close friend to the virus were “significantly more likely to trust vaccine science and accept vaccination.” Those who experienced a loss in the previous year were “nearly four times more likely to trust the science compared to those who did not experience loss,” demonstrating the profound impact of personal tragedy on public attitudes towards vaccination.
However, the proportion of the U.S. population that expressed trust in science “remained almost constant,” ranging from 64-67% over the three years covered in past studies. This stable trust level suggests a need for ongoing efforts to engage various segments of the population effectively.
White says the fact that personal loss due to COVID-19 was associated with trust levels “highlights the need for public health communications to be sensitive to the emotional impact of the pandemic,” indicating that empathetic messaging may enhance public acceptance of vaccines.
As far as racial preferences, the study revealed while COVID-19 vaccine acceptance “varied significantly” between White and non-White demographics, it did not find a significant correlation between racial backgrounds and trust in science. This finding suggests the need for targeted outreach strategies that address these disparities.
“Although we did observe somewhat less trust in science among Latino respondents,” researchers say, highlighting the complexities of vaccine communication in multicultural contexts.
An irrational fear of COVID-19 vaccines has spread into other vaccines such as the one for the flu, with new information indicating that fewer than two in five U.S. adults (38%) say they will definitely get a flu vaccine. This trend poses a significant challenge for public health officials aiming to bolster immunization rates.
But researchers emphasized that “maintaining and enhancing public trust in vaccination programs requires strengthening trust in health communication from public sources,” in particular the CDC, which plays a pivotal role in disseminating accurate medical information.
Experts have suggested that future strategies surrounding public health consider the “diverse socio-economic and educational backgrounds” of American citizens in order to “effectively build and maintain trust in science-based solutions.” Tailored public health messaging could make a meaningful difference in vaccine acceptance across various demographics.
**Interview with Ayman El-Mohandes, Dean of CUNY SPH, on Vaccine Hesitancy in the U.S.**
**Interviewer:** Thank you for joining us today, Dean El-Mohandes. Your recent study highlights persistent distrust in the scientific basis of COVID-19 vaccines among U.S. respondents. Can you share some key findings?
**Ayman El-Mohandes:** Thank you for having me. Our research found that about one-third of U.S. respondents expressed skepticism about the vaccines from 2021 to 2023. While there was a slight dip in 2022, skepticism rose again in 2023, indicating a fluctuating level of trust in vaccine science.
**Interviewer:** What factors do you think are contributing to this ongoing skepticism?
**Ayman El-Mohandes:** Trust in government plays a significant role. Our study indicated that individuals with higher education, male respondents, and those with above-median incomes were more likely to trust vaccine science. Additionally, personal experiences, particularly the loss of friends or family to the virus, dramatically influenced perceptions. Those who experienced such losses were nearly four times more likely to trust vaccine science.
**Interviewer:** That’s quite impactful. You mentioned the importance of trust in science during public health crises. Why is this trust critical for vaccine uptake?
**Ayman El-Mohandes:** Trust in science fosters vaccine confidence, which is essential for achieving herd immunity and controlling outbreaks. Our findings underscore the need for effective health communications that resonate with diverse populations. This is particularly challenging when societal trust fluctuates.
**Interviewer:** The study highlights the stable trust levels ranging from 64-67% over the three years. What does this suggest about public confidence in science moving forward?
**Ayman El-Mohandes:** While stable trust levels are a positive sign, they indicate that there’s still a considerable portion of the population that remains skeptical. Efforts must continue to engage and educate various segments of society. We need to connect emotionally and personally, especially for those impacted by COVID-19.
**Interviewer:** Thank you, Dean El-Mohandes, for sharing these important insights. It seems clear that building and maintaining trust will be crucial in addressing vaccine hesitancy.
**Ayman El-Mohandes:** Absolutely. It’s a complex issue, but by understanding the underlying factors, we can enhance our strategies to bolster vaccine acceptance. Thank you for having me.