Conflicting advice on COVID shots could further diminish already low vaccine rates, experts warn, raising concerns about public health.
Despite the initial popularity of the COVID vaccine, with 75% of Americans receiving at least one dose by early 2022, the situation has taken a turn. Only 23% of American adults got a COVID shot during the 2024-25 virus season, significantly lower than the 47% who received the flu shot. This trend is concerning, especially as COVID remains a significant health risk, causing around 31,400 deaths last year, with flu and pneumonia contributing 6,500 and 41,600 deaths, respectively.
Public health researchers are worried that vaccination rates will continue to decline, particularly among Hispanic and Black Americans, and those under 30, who are at higher risk of severe complications like long COVID. The federal government's changing recommendations under the Trump administration and Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. have led to inconsistent rules on pharmacy access, making it harder for people in Republican-led states to get vaccinated.
Misinformation and vaccine hesitancy are significant concerns. A 2024 review of studies found that fears about side effects, long-term health consequences, and vaccine effectiveness, along with mistrust of pharmaceutical corporations and government officials, contribute to hesitancy. Data from the CDC shows that hesitancy was higher among Latinos, African Americans, men, the uninsured, and those in Republican-leaning states.
Latinos, in particular, had lower vaccination rates (around 15%) compared to other racial and ethnic groups. This may be partly due to age, as a significant portion of Latinos are young, but public policy actions, such as the Trump administration's Medicaid rule, could also be factors. Some Latinos fear signing up for social services, and health discrimination can further increase vaccine hesitancy.
Janani Rajbhandari-Thapa, an associate professor, found that African Americans are more likely to trust healthcare providers over faith leaders or coworkers for vaccine advice. However, misinformation about vaccines and their alleged links to miscarriages, long-term body changes, and conspiracy theories about microchips is prevalent.
The pandemic's changing landscape has also contributed to vaccine hesitancy. Young people, feeling invincible, have the lowest vaccination rates (11%) among adult age groups. Otto Yang, an infectious disease specialist, clarifies that the vaccine's purpose is to prevent severe illness, not just infection, and it can help prevent long COVID, which affects all ages.
Experts emphasize the importance of consistent vaccination against both COVID and flu, as both are safe, effective, and prevent serious illness. People with compromised immune systems and those at higher risk should get a COVID shot, while others should consider vaccination, just as they would for the flu.
