November 20, 2023 – About three-quarters of individuals should not particularly concerned about contracting COVID-19 over the winter holidays, in response to a survey of about 1,400 adults conducted by KFF.
The survey found that 74% of respondents are “not too worried” or “not worried at all” about contracting COVID-19 over the vacations. About 69% are “not too worried” or “not at all worried” about transmitting the virus to other people.
About 54% answered that way when asked what they thought in regards to the increase in cases and hospitalizations this winter. In the past three years, cases and hospitalizations have risen over the vacations as family gatherings and cold weather force people to go indoors.
Other key findings from the survey, conducted between October 31 and November 7:
- 20% of respondents already received approval for the brand new COVID vaccine in September. About 13% will certainly get it, 15% will probably get it, 17% probably won't get it, and 34% definitely won't get it.
- 34% of those over 65 have received the brand new vaccine, in addition to 18% of those aged 50 to 64, 15% of those aged 30 to 49 and 18% of those aged 18 to 29.
- 26% of Black adults have received the brand new vaccine, as have 20% of Hispanic adults and 19% of white adults.
- About half of respondents said they might take some precautions over the vacations, similar to avoiding large gatherings and wearing a mask at large gatherings.
According to the CDC, COVID indicators are showing a slight upward trend.
A report published on Friday said: CDC said greater than 16,000 people were hospitalized for COVID-related reasons last week, a rise of 8.6% in comparison with the previous week. COVID-related deaths increased 9.1% in comparison with the previous week, with COVID accounting for two.4% of all deaths.