Survey: Over half of Americans plan to get vaccinated against COVID-19 this fall, but 15% less than last year

The FDA recently approved two updated COVID-19 vaccines from Pfizer and Moderna that more closely targets current variants in circulation. As soon as this week, the new vaccine will be available to everyone over the age of 6 months to help provide better protection against COVID-19. As cases continue to rise across the country, SingleCare conducted a survey of 1,000 U.S. adults to better understand their attitudes, behaviors, and the nation’s current sentiment regarding the new COVID-19 vaccines. 

Most Americans plan to get the new vaccine while some remain skeptical.

According to SingleCare’s survey, 54% of respondents said they would get the new COVID-19 vaccine this fall, however, this is down from 69% who said they received the COVID-19 vaccine last fall. 

The survey also revealed that nearly one-third (32%) of respondents said they do not plan to get the new COVID-19 vaccine whatsoever. Of those who responded that they do not plan to get the new vaccine, the survey unveiled the reasons were… 

• 45% said that they do not believe it prevents them from getting sick

• 43% said they are still concerned about side effects from the COVID-19 vaccine

• 21% said they have previously had a COVID-19 infection and don’t think it's necessary to get another vaccine

• 15% said they have previously received the COVID-19 vaccine and don’t think it protected them

• 12% said they have vaccine fatigue as a result of previous flu and COVID-19 vaccines

• 8% said they have never had COVID-19 so they don’t think they need to get vaccinated

Despite nearly a third of respondents saying that they do not plan to get the new COVID-19 vaccine, over half (53%) said they are concerned about the possibility of “long COVID” symptoms if they contracted the virus. Additionally, 52% of respondents said that they are concerned about the possibility of either themselves or a family member getting COVID-19. 

Even though many people plan to get the new vaccine, the majority of Americans are not willing to pay for it. 

In May 2023, the COVID-19 Public Health Emergency ended and with it so did the government’s funding for COVID-19 vaccinations. The new COVID-19 vaccine is covered by private insurance and Medicare, and those who are uninsured or underinsured can access the updated vaccine for free through the CDC’s Bridge Access Program. SingleCare’s survey revealed that the majority (56%) of respondents said they would not get the COVID-19 vaccine if they had to pay for it. 

Additionally, nearly half (44%) said they are not willing to pay out of pocket for the new COVID-19 vaccine, while… 

• 18% would pay up to $10 for it

• 18% would pay between $11-$25

• 10% would pay between $26-$50

• 10% would be willing to pay more than $50

Americans are willing to mask, but only in specific public places. 

In addition to the protection that the COVID-19 vaccine provides, many Americans take additional precautions by wearing masks in public places. According to SingleCare’s survey, nearly one-third (31%) said they are planning to wear a mask in certain public places, depending on the number of cases in their area. This compares to 21% of those surveyed who said they would not be willing to wear a mask at all. 

When asked where they would be willing to wear a mask in public, the survey found… 

• 52% said at a doctor’s office or hospital 

• 43% said public transportation 

• 36% said at a large indoor social gatherings

• 34% said at a concert/stadium venues

• 27% said at school

• 26% said their office/workplace

• 22% said their church/place of worship

• 21% said at a restaurant/bar

Methodology 

SingleCare conducted this COVID-19 survey online through SurveyMonkey on Sept. 9, 2023. This survey includes 1,021 United States residents and adults ages 18+. Age and gender were census-balanced to match the U.S. population in age, gender, and U.S. region.