A recent NPR/Marist poll found that one in four Americans said they would refuse a coronavirus vaccine if offered. However, vaccination is what it will take for us to reach herd immunity and return to normal, making it crucial for as many people to be vaccinated as possible. And even though millions of people have already been vaccinated, COVID cases are continuing to increase. Here’s what else you need to know about rising cases, vaccine hesitancy and how to promote vaccination.
Researchers are increasingly worried that vaccine reluctance will prevent the nation from reaching what's known as herd immunity, the point at which the coronavirus can no longer spread easily through the population and transmission peters out. Reaching high levels of vaccination is crucial for reaching herd immunity, which is ultimately what it will take for us to return to normal.
Experts say there are several reasons for the rise in these numbers, including coronavirus variants, pandemic fatigue, and Americans moving around more. Plus, several states are loosening COVID restrictions, which doesn't help.
We've been through multiple lockdowns, and at this point, many people are tired of being cooped up. They've let their COVID guard down, especially now that it's warmer. Americans aren't wearing their masks, washing their hands, or practicing social distancing as much as they should be. Yet, the CDC states that all of these precautions are still just as important in slowing the spread, even if you've been vaccinated.
The vaccine is a crucial tool in ending the pandemic, and with COVID cases still increasing, it's clear that vaccination is more important than ever. As an employer, encouraging vaccination among your workforce:
As an employer, you can build vaccine confidence by taking the following steps:
By providing clear, accurate information about vaccines, employers can promote confidence in the decision to get vaccinated, increase vaccination among employees, and get back to normal, quicker. At TargetCare, we've created a COVID-19 Vaccine Communication Toolkit to help employers reinforce confidence in this important prevention tool. The toolkit covers topics such as benefits, safety, and FAQ's about the vaccine.
Download the toolkit today to get started!