WINK News survey: Younger people aren’t in a hurry to get vaccinated

All adults aged 18 and older can now schedule appointments to receive the COVID-19 vaccine, after four months of seniors being first in line. WINK News asked and more than 600 people responded: are you rushing to get the shot or not?

For months, everyone in line to get a COVID-19 vaccine was aged 65 and older but not anymore.

Doctor Rebekah Bernard is a primary care physician in Fort Myers. “We’ve come a long way. And it’s looking really good,” said Dr. Bernard.

She sees many patients who are younger and now eligible, that want a shot. However, they aren’t in a hurry to get it. A WINK News survey had the same results.

Of the 18- to 24-year-olds who plan to get a shot, right now they simply aren’t trying.

Here are two of the comments people left us as an example that younger people just aren’t in a hurry.

“I’m 42, healthy & work from home. I feel that older & immuno-compromised people need to get theirs first. I will wait until I feel it’s my turn.”

“Too busy with work, doesn’t seem very important.”

Seniors who still want the vaccine may be struggling. “I still have a few patients that do not have technology [or the] ability to get on website,” Dr. Bernard said.

Our survey reflects that as well. There is also some frustration about why Governor DeSantis opened up the vaccine pool to everyone.

“Too many young people allowed to book. We seniors aren’t as skilled technologically,” said another commenter.

There is also some vaccine hesitancy. Consistent across age groups at about 12% of the people who took our survey, they don’t plan to ever get the COVID-19 vaccine.

Most people note the quick turnaround for the vaccine and distrust as their reasons for not wanting it.

“I have antibodies. So, my reaction would probably be worse than COVID-19. This is NOT a one size fits all approach,” said a different commenter.

“We don’t know the long-term effects this drug may have,” another commenter said.