NOTE: Welcome to the new and improved DHW Voice blog! Previous blog posts are still available at https://dhwblog.com/.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, Idaho has conducted research to help us respond to the concerns of Idahoans when it comes to the COVID-19 vaccine, as well as help us understand what information should be valuable to Idahoans when it comes to the COVID-19 and the available vaccines.

Recently, the state conducted a survey with 500 Idahoans who have been vaccinated or who are still considering getting vaccinated.

Some highlights of the survey include:

• When it comes to why Idahoans choose to get vaccinated, the No. 1 reason was to protect themselves and others. Other reasons noted were for traveling in and out of the country or because it was required (e.g. job).
• Some Idahoans are still considering getting the COVID-19 vaccine. Many were waiting because they said they had already had COVID-19, or they hadn’t found the time (inconvenient), or they were still in the “wait and see” mode, hoping for more research and testing.
• Idahoans understand that if you are vaccinated, or even if you get a breakthrough case, you are very unlikely to become seriously ill or die compared to someone who is unvaccinated.
• Idahoans believe the COVID-19 vaccine is working better than expected or as expected at preventing infection.
• Many still believe it is important to take precautions, like physical distancing or wearing masks, even with the availability of the COVID-19 vaccine.

• When it comes to why their eligible children have not gotten vaccinated, some of reasons mentioned by parents were: they were waiting for more research and testing or their children had already had COVID-19.

According to the research, Idahoans believe the vaccine is safe and effective. The research also showed:

• 42 percent know someone who has had a breakthrough case
• 31 percent know someone who has died from COVID-19
• 52 percent are likely to get a booster dose, while 27 percent have already gotten their booster dose – nearly 8 in 10 vaccinated Idahoans

• 69 percent believe the vaccine is safe for children
• 87 percent were aware that the vaccine has been approved for children 5 to 11

When it comes to vaccine requirements at large businesses, organizations, or public events:

• 28 percent supported vaccinations for everyone, with exceptions for medical and religious reasons only
• 40 percent supported a choice between proof of vaccination or regular COVID-19 testing
• 29 percent supported no requirements for COVID-19 testing or vaccination

At DHW, we will continue to share accurate and up-to-date information related to the COVID-19 vaccine so Idahoans can make informed decisions when it comes to their health and the health of their families.

If you are not vaccinated, I encourage you to choose to get the COVID-19 vaccine. The COVID-19 vaccine remains the safest, surest way to protect yourself and your loved ones from serious illness and hospitalization.

I hope you have a safe, happy, and healthy holiday season! My next blog will be on Jan. 7, 2022.