December 17, 2023


Title: “Majority of Heartland Residents Reject COVID-19 Booster, Reveals Emerson College Poll”

A recent poll conducted by Emerson College reveals that nearly 60% of residents in the 22 American Heartland states are reluctant to receive the new COVID-19 vaccine booster. This percentage is notably higher than the national average of 51%. The study, conducted in partnership with the CUNY Graduate School of Public Health and Health Policy, emphasizes the need for effective health communication strategies amid declining public trust in government health information.

Key Findings:

  1. Regional Disparities: In the Heartland states, 57% of residents expressed their unwillingness to get the COVID-19 vaccine booster this year, with rejection rates reaching 74% in Wyoming, followed by Idaho.
  2. Survey Methodology: The data was collected through surveys conducted from October 1 to October 4 in the 22 Heartland states, and a national survey was conducted by phone on October 16 and October 17. Sample sizes varied by state.
  3. Trust and Vaccine Acceptance: The poll suggests a correlation between declining public trust in the quality of government health care information and a reduced willingness to receive the COVID-19 vaccine. For instance, in Idaho, where 70% rated the quality of government health care information as poor or fair, approximately 68% indicated they would not get the booster.
  4. Concerns Raised: Kenneth H. Rabin, a senior scholar at CUNY SPH, expressed alarm over the findings, highlighting the urgent need for health communicators to engage in meaningful conversations and move beyond mandates to encourage vaccination.
  5. Perception of Healthcare Quality: Many respondents in Heartland states believed their health care was worse than in other states. West Virginia (32%), Missouri (30%), and Michigan (30%) reported particularly poor perceptions of government health information.
  6. Optimistic Note: Despite the concerns, residents in Midwestern states expressed a more positive perception of health care in their region compared to the national average.
  7. Formation of Council for Quality Health Communication: The poll coincides with the establishment of a new Council for Quality Health Communication at CUNY SPH. Comprising 40 health communication researchers and practitioners, the council aims to address the loss of public trust in health and science due to misinformation and disinformation.