COVID Booster Uptake Uncertain Despite New Shots; Addressing Safety Concerns Could Boost Vaccination Rates
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A new Omicron-targeted COVID-19 booster shot will be available this fall, but it's unclear how many Americans will get it as COVID fatigue sets in.
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According to surveys, 43% of U.S. adults say they will probably or definitely get the new booster, up from only 21% who got the previous booster.
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Doctors emphasize vaccines remain important to prevent severe illness and death, though COVID risks have fallen thanks to vaccines, treatments, and immunity.
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Vaccine confidence is lower for COVID shots than flu shots or other routine adult vaccines. Addressing safety concerns could boost uptake.
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COVID still causes 25,000 deaths in ages 65+ and 450 deaths in ages 20-44 so far this year, mostly in the unvaccinated, so vaccines remain critical.