Study Shows How Many Coloradans Plan To Get Vaccinated

Around 88 percent of Coloradans are interested in getting vaccinated, according to a study released Friday by the state's public health agency.

The survey highlights a significant shift — in September, only 66 percent of people in our state were interested in getting vaccinated, according to the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment.

In September, 32 percent of respondents said they intended to get vaccinated as soon as they could. Now, 62 percent of Coloradans have either already gotten vaccinated (27 percent), or intend to get vaccinated “as soon as [they] can" (35 percent), the study shows.

Here are some other findings from the report:

• In September, 34 percent of respondents said they would “wait and see” how well the vaccines worked. Currently, only 18 percent of people say they want to “wait and see.”
• In September, 34 percent of respondents said they would “not get vaccinated.” Now, 8 percent would “get it, but only if required,” while 12 percent would “definitely not get it,” including those who are medically unable to do so.
• Around 22 percent of Hispanic women said in September that they would get vaccinated “as soon as possible.” Now, 43 percent have already received a vaccine or would get vaccinated as soon as possible.
• Around 35 percent of Hispanic men said in September that they would get vaccinated as soon as possible, compared to 62 percent now.
• Black Coloradans: In September, 24 percent said they would get vaccinated as soon as possible, as compared to 47 percent today.
• Young Coloradans age 18-34: In September, 23 percent of young women said they would get vaccinated as soon as possible, as compared to 46 percent today. Young men went from 32 percent in September to 50 percent today.

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“The COVID-19 vaccines are safe and effective as evidenced not only by clinical trials, but nationally, many millions have already received the vaccine,” said Jill Hunsaker Ryan, executive director of the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment.

“Hundreds of thousands of Coloradans have already signed up for their vaccine appointments. As more and more Coloradans are getting vaccinated and more and more Coloradans are excited to get vaccinated, we are that much closer to getting back to work and school, back to spending time with family, and back to a more normal life.”

Kupersmit Research interviewed 810 Coloradans for the survey between Feb. 17 and March 1, 2021. The firm conducted an additional 93 interviews with Black Coloradans through March 8, and 75 phone interviews with those over age 65 with low incomes across the state.

Colorado opened its fifth community vaccination site Wednesday in Larimer County. The state has also launched community vaccination sites in Pueblo, Colorado Springs, Commerce City, and Grand Junction.

Coloradans ages 50 and older, as well as people ages 16 to 49 with one high-risk health condition, are eligible to receive the vaccine under Phase 1B.4:

Every Coloradan is expected to become eligible for vaccination by May, depending on federal supply, Gov. Jared Polis announced earlier this month.

Read also: CO Coronavirus Vaccine Hub: Where, Who And How To Get Immunized