Recent surveys reveal that younger adults, particularly those from Gen Z and younger millennials, are significantly less inclined to get vaccinated against COVID-19 compared to older age groups. A new Quinnipiac University poll indicates that while 68% of Americans either intend to or have already received the vaccine, a notable 36% of individuals under 35 have no plans to get vaccinated. This figure is considerably higher than the overall resistance rate of 27% among all adults. The survey, which included 1,237 participants, was conducted from April 8 to April 12, prior to the concerning news surrounding Johnson & Johnson’s vaccine and blood clot incidents.
Similarly, a Kaiser Family Foundation survey from last month found that only 49% of those under 30 are either planning to get vaccinated immediately or have already done so. Dr. Lena Mitchell, a public health expert, noted that many young adults feel a false sense of security regarding their COVID-19 risk, as public health messaging has primarily focused on older populations and those with underlying health conditions. This misperception is worrying, especially as younger individuals are currently driving a surge in COVID-19 cases and hospitalizations in several regions, including Michigan, where infections are highest among those in their twenties.
Dr. Rochelle Walensky, director of the CDC, emphasized that both COVID-19 cases and emergency room visits are on the rise, particularly among younger adults who have not yet received the vaccine. Additionally, data indicates that this demographic is less likely to adhere to social distancing guidelines, further complicating the public health landscape.
As someone who didn’t start getting annual flu shots until I was 26—not out of vaccine hesitancy, but because I felt invincible in my early twenties—it’s easy to understand why many young people might overlook the importance of vaccination. The complex and often frustrating process of signing up for a COVID-19 vaccine could also be deterring them from participating. The government must find effective ways to communicate with this generation. As Nicholas Florko pointed out, “In the Covid-19 vaccine push, no one is speaking Gen Z’s language.”
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In summary, young adults are showing a notable reluctance to get vaccinated against COVID-19, with many believing they are less susceptible to the virus. This trend is concerning as they are increasingly contributing to new infections, highlighting the need for targeted communication strategies to encourage vaccination within this demographic.