This Is How Many People Are Refusing The COVID-19 Vaccine In Washington

By Samuel Stebbins, 24/7 Wall St. - Seattle

2022-02-13

As the omicron variant continues to spread, the national vaccination effort is as urgent as it ever has been. Still, many Americans remain hesitant.

According to a recent survey conducted by the U.S. Census Bureau, 23,830,000 Americans — or 9.6% of the 18 and older population — say they will either probably or definitely not get the vaccination.

Many Americans who have yet to be vaccinated cite one of three reasons: either they are concerned about possible side effects, or they want to wait to see if it is safe, or it is difficult for them to obtain a vaccination. Others cite different reasons.

Nationwide, 14,120,000 people, 5.7% of the adult population, do not trust the COVID-19 vaccines, and another 6,980,000, or 2.8%, do not think COVID-19 is a big threat. Additionally, 12,130,000 American adults, or 4.9% of the 18 and older population, have not been vaccinated because they do not trust the government.

In Washington, an estimated 351,900 adults, or 6.0%, say they will likely refuse the vaccine. Of all adults in the state, 3.4% will refuse because they do not trust the COVID-19 vaccine specifically, 3.1% because they do not think COVID-19 is a big threat, and 4.0% because they distrust the government.

Despite pockets of resistance, Washington is doing a better job at vaccinating its population quickly than most states. So far, 71.2% of Washington’s population are fully vaccinated, compared to 65.2% of all Americans.

Meanwhile, the virus continues to spread. Since the beginning of the pandemic, there have been 1,382,782 confirmed cases of the virus in the Washington, and a total of 11,099 residents have died as a result.

All survey data used in this story was published by the Census on Jan. 19, 2022. All data related to COVID-19 infections, fatalities, and vaccinations is current as of Feb. 10, 2022.

These are all the counties in Washington where COVID-19 is slowing (and where it’s still getting worse).

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This story was originally published by 24/7 Wall St., a news organization that produces real-time business commentary and data-driven reporting for state and local markets across the country.