New Covid vaccines are expected to arrive in the United States this fall, targeting the omicron subvariant XBB.1.5, but there are concerns that many Americans may not take them. Experts have cited pandemic fatigue, a belief that Covid is over, and confusion over personal risk levels as potential factors that could deter people from getting the additional shots.
To combat this, public health officials and healthcare providers are being encouraged to communicate that Covid vaccines are likely to become a routine part of protecting one’s health moving forward. Vaccine manufacturers Pfizer, Moderna, and Novavax are set to deliver the new single-strain Covid shots in September. However, it is expected to be a challenging task to convince people to take these jabs, given the slow uptake of the most recent shots.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, only about 17% of the US population has received Pfizer and Moderna’s bivalent Covid vaccines. Rates for different age groups vary, with less than half of adults 65 and older receiving a bivalent shot. The low uptake of the previous vaccines, along with pandemic fatigue and the perception that Covid is over, could contribute to the hesitancy in taking the new vaccines.
Furthermore, confusion over personal risks and benefits has also been a major issue. Different individuals have different circumstances and risk levels, leading to uncertainty and indecision regarding whether getting another booster shot is worthwhile. The confusion is expected to continue even after eligibility guidelines are established.
Experts suggest that health officials and healthcare providers should focus on conveying clear messages about the benefits of the updated vaccines. They propose adopting a flu shot-like model, where people receive a single Covid shot every year that is updated to target the latest variant expected in the fall and winter. Simplifying the vaccination process may increase acceptance and make it a routine part of individuals’ healthcare.
However, there is still uncertainty about the annual update and distribution of new shots. Advisors to the FDA have expressed concerns about the effectiveness of yearly Covid vaccines, as it is unclear if the virus follows a seasonal pattern like the flu. A poll conducted by KFF in April revealed that more than half of the public would likely get an annual Covid shot if it were offered similarly to the flu shot.
Overall, public health officials and healthcare providers face the challenge of increasing uptake of the new Covid vaccines in the face of pandemic fatigue, complacency, and confusion. Clear communication about the benefits of vaccination and the possibility of a routine vaccination schedule may be crucial in encouraging more Americans to roll up their sleeves and take the shots.