May 26, 2021 - Health
Vaccine myths persist
Add Axios as your preferred source to
see more of our stories on Google.
Big myths about COVID vaccines are showing real staying power among unvaccinated Americans.
The big picture: While misinformation isn't the only factor fueling hesitancy, it's an ongoing problem the media, health leaders and trusted messengers need to chip away at.
By the numbers: All told, 67% of unvaccinated adults either believed or weren’t sure about at least one major falsehood about the vaccines.
- One big myth with legs is that the vaccines cause COVID-19. 36% of respondents either thought that was true or weren't sure; it was also the biggest misconception among Black and Hispanic Americans as well as young adults.
- Different myths have gained ground among vaccine-hesitant Republicans: 37% either believed that the vaccines change your DNA, or weren't sure.
Leaders, from Biden on down, can keep hammering away at the facts. So can the media.
- Doctors, nurses, community health workers and pharmacists are also important sources of information for unvaccinated Americans and trusted messengers.
- They have a special role to play in their communities clearing up the myths about vaccines that remain among the most hesitant groups.
Go deeper: Read the full column (Kaiser Family Foundation)
