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04.23.21

MHA Today | April 23, 2021

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MHA Today

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Monday, MHA released new research on Missourians’ attitudes regarding the COVID-19 vaccine. The results were a mix of good and less good news. Among the state’s 800 adults participating in the survey, more than half had received the vaccine. However, among those not yet vaccinated, only 11% signaled they will get the vaccine. Worse yet, 28% of participants indicate they will not seek a vaccination.

The progress made in the past month — especially as vaccination expanded to all Missourians ages 16 and older on April 9 — has been spectacular. On the 9th, 80,471 doses were delivered to Missourians. That is the highest daily number of vaccines administered in the state since the mass vaccination campaign began. During the first partial week of universal eligibility, an average of 52,267 doses were administered each day in Missouri. However, the following week’s dose administration dropped precipitously. In the first full week of the state’s Phase 3 activation, we witnessed a softening of demand as the average daily number of doses administered was 35,845 — a one-week, 31% decline.

Polling released in January foreshadowed vaccine hesitancy issues in Missouri. Until this month, the constraints of limited vaccine supply and risk-based eligibility tiers allowed for an equilibrium of sorts.  Demand tended to outstrip supply. Now, we’re entering into a period where supply is outpacing demand. This changes everything.

Estimates from MHA’s research, and similar national data, suggest that demand for vaccines and the protection provided by an earlier infection is unlikely to provide the level of immunity needed to inhibit the path of the virus. By Friday, May 7, current linear trends suggest that roughly one-quarter of Missourians will have completed the vaccine series, while 58% will have protection from the virus derived from either vaccination or from a previous infection — well below the 65% to 85% coverage needed to prevent community spread of COVID-19.

However, there is hopeful news included in the research. Specifically, there are populations that can be reached to expand vaccination and information that can decrease hesitancy. For example, the uninsured have remarkably low rates of immunization. This isn’t necessarily demand-driven. Among this population — and among low-income and Medicaid-eligible Missourians — the fact that the vaccine is no cost to patients could help build demand.

There’s still work required to vaccinate vulnerable populations. More than one-third of African American and Black Missourians are among those indicating they are not likely to seek vaccination. Communities of color have been hit especially hard by COVID-19. Converting these hesitant Missourians will require targeted, community-based outreach by trusted voices. These efforts will require hospitals to forge new, or foster existing, community connections to convince and convert.

Even as vaccination location options and vaccine supplies expand, front-line clinicians remain essential messengers. Trust is strongest between patients and their primary care physician or regular caregiver. Nearly two-thirds of Missourians trust local and national public health experts, but 90% trust their doctor. Elected leaders’ voices are much less powerful in this decision-making process.

Three messages were particularly effective with those on the vaccine sidelines. First, the vaccine is free to patients. For the uninsured or underinsured, cost should not be a factor in decision-making. Second, the vaccines are safe and effective. Real-world results have borne out the results of clinical trials, including that they help prevent serious illness and death. Finally, corners were not cut in the vaccine development process. The speed of vaccine to market was possible through reduced regulatory barriers, not scientific shortcuts.

All Missourians have a stake in the state reaching herd immunity. Getting there will increasingly be about trusted voices reaching those who are skeptical and need to know more.

This research can help us guide those efforts.

Let me know what you’re thinking.

Herb Kuhn, MHA President & CEO

 

 

Herb B. Kuhn
MHA President and CEO

In This Issue

ACIP Votes To Resume Johnson & Johnson COVID-19 Vaccine With Warning
Senate Appropriations Committee Advances State Budget
MHD Announces PDMP Policy Change
Board Of Pharmacy Releases Sterile Compounding Emergency Rule
MLN Connects Provider eNews Available
Updated COVID-19 Vaccine Dashboard Available
National Prescription Drug Take Back Day Is Saturday
USDA Offers Distance Learning And Telemedicine Grant
Centerpointe Hospital Names CEO

COVID-19 Updates
Advocacy
Regulatory News
HIDI Tech Connect
Quality and Population Health
Noteworthy
CEO Updates
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