This JAMA study conducted by Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health in July 2023 surveyed 1430 US adults to understand their attitudes towards COVID-19 and influenza vaccines. Results showed that while perceptions of vaccine effectiveness were similar for both, views on safety differed, with influenza vaccines considered safer. Additionally, there was a higher inclination to receive influenza vaccines compared to COVID-19 vaccines. The study revealed distinct reasons for hesitancy towards each vaccine. For COVID-19 vaccines, hesitancy was linked to a need for more research, concerns about safety and effectiveness, and distrust in government and pharmaceutical companies. The study underscores the importance of tailored public health communication to address these concerns and promote vaccine uptake, especially in a post-pandemic era where vaccine perceptions are critical for public health.
JAMA Netw Open. 2023 Dec; 6(12): e2349881.
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