Large portion of Charlotte County’s young people getting vaccinated

7% of young adults have been vaccinated in Charlotte County, and county leaders are hoping to see that number continue to go up.

The Florida Department of Health in Charlotte County says it is noticing a large portion of the younger population getting vaccinated—seemingly in contrast to a survey showing many young people are not in a rush to receive their shots—because other people are. We’ve all seen people sharing their vaccination card and photos on Facebook and Instagram—could peer pressure be driving more people to get the shot?

“I think that peer pressure is powerful,” said Dr. Joseph Pepe, administrator of the FDOH-Charlotte. “I think that’s one of the things, especially, for the folks that are maybe apprehensive or slow to adopt getting vaccinated, and that are waiting to see how their friends are doing, and family members. And if [the friends and family] do it, they’re more likely to go.”

Charlotte County health officials say that as vaccination bookings continue to drop, they may start to add walk-up vaccination options for their sites.