Data shows COVID-19 vaccines are creating a pathway to a strong U.S. recovery

As we head into the Fourth of July weekend, Americans are reemerging from the COVID-19 pandemic with heightened hopes and confidence in a strong U.S. recovery. The COVID-19 vaccines have been credited with the steep decline in cases nationwide as we reach the lowest rates since the earliest stages of the pandemic. Reliance on safe, effective vaccines can continue to move the needle as we work to control the virus and protect against evolving variants. In 15 states and the District of Columbia, at least 70% of adults have received at least one dose of a COVID-19 vaccine, which is promising news.

Below are additional data points to keep in mind as we all work together to end the COVID-19 pandemic.

Americans are confident in the biopharmaceutical industry.

• According to a recent Gallup poll, 76% of U.S. adults say they have been vaccinated against COVID-19 or plan to be.
• 75% of voters agree that they are confident in the biopharmaceutical industry’s ability to make research advances and discover ways to combat future viruses (May 2021 Morning Consult/PhRMA Polling).
• 88% of Americans who have already gotten a vaccine are willing to get a "booster" shot against COVID-19 this year should scientific research and public health guidance recommend. (May 2021 Morning Consult/PhRMA Polling).

Following emergency use authorization allowing for use of one COVID-19 vaccine for children ages 12-15 years of age, parent confidence is increasing.

• Recent KFF data reveals about four in ten parents of children ages 12-17 (41%) say their child has already received at least one dose of the COVID-19 vaccine or that they will get them vaccinated right away.
• Nearly two-thirds (63%) of surveyed voters expressed confidence that vaccines are safe for children and teens ages 12-15 (May 2021 PhRMA/Morning Consult Poll).

While building vaccine confidence among a smaller percentage of the overall U.S. population continues to be a challenge, there is clear potential to close the gap.

• According to KFF, an analysis of vaccination distribution data shows improved vaccine equity among communities of color since the roll-out in March. Between March 1 and June 7, the share of vaccinations going to Black and Asian populations increased in most states, and in all states for the share going to Hispanics.
• Between March 1 and June 7, the share of vaccinations going to Black Americans increased from 26% to 41% in the District of Columbia and from 25% to 36% in Mississippi. Similarly, the share of vaccinations going to Hispanic populations increased by at least 10 percentage points in four states, including California (19% to 29%), Florida (17% to 27%), Nevada (13% to 24%), and Texas (23% to 34%).

While there is more work to be done to get all eligible Americans vaccinated, the successful development and distribution of the COVID-19 vaccines have given newfound hope in the U.S. that the pandemic may be waning. As more and more Americans receive vaccinations, and coronavirus infections, deaths and hospitalization rates plummet, strengthening vaccine confidence and trust is our best solution to effectively control the pandemic and reopen safely and effectively.

Tom Wilbur is Director of Public Affairs at PhRMA focusing on message development and opinion research. Prior to joining PhRMA in 2019, Tom worked on Capitol Hill and on political campaigns for nearly a decade, most recently responsible for communications, campaigns and strategy for U.S. Rep. Fred Upton and the House Energy and Commerce Committee. Tom is a proud Michigander and outside of the virtual office enjoys reading, running, hiking, golfing, and spending time with friends and family.

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