This Is How Many People Are Refusing The COVID-19 Vaccine In Rhode Island

Providence RI

20 August, 2021

11:24 AM

Description

By Samuel Stebbins, 24/7 Wall St. Providence 2021-08-20 Recent surges of the delta variant in much of the United States are attributable in part to vaccine hesitancy. According to a recent survey conducted by the U.S. Census Bureau, 25,900,000 Americans — or 10.4% of the 18 and older population — say they will either probably or definitely not get the vaccination. Many Americans who have yet to be vaccinated cite one of three reasons: either they are concerned about possible side effects, or they want to wait to see if it is safe, or it is difficult for them to obtain a vaccination. Others cite different reasons. Nationwide, 16,300,000 people, 6.5% of the adult population, do not trust the COVID-19 vaccines, and another 6,980,000, or 2.8%, do not think COVID-19 is a big threat. Additionally, 13,800,000 American adults, or 5.5% of the 18 and older population, have not been vaccinated because they do not trust the government. In Rhode Island, an estimated 51,100 adults, or 6.2%, say they will likely refuse the vaccine. Of all adults in the state, 3.1% will refuse because they do not trust the COVID-19 vaccine specifically, 2.1% because they do not think COVID-19 is a big threat, and 3.0% because they distrust the government. Despite pockets of resistance, Rhode Island is doing a better job at vaccinating its population quickly than most states. So far, 63.3% of Rhode Island's population are fully vaccinated, compared to 51.7% of all Americans. Meanwhile, the virus continues to spread. Since the beginning of the pandemic, there have been 157,589 confirmed cases of the virus in the Rhode Island, and a total of 2,744 residents have died as a result. All survey data used in this story was published by the Census on August 11, 2021. All data related to COVID-19 infections, fatalities, and vaccinations is current as of August 18, 2021. These are all the counties in Rhode Island where COVID-19 is slowing (and where it's still getting worse). Can't see the article's infographic? Click here to view the original story.This story was originally published by 24/7 Wall St., a news organization that produces real-time business commentary and data-driven reporting for state and local markets across the country.