Survey: Overall vaccine hesitancy low on Long Island

On Long Island, 10% of respondents in Nassau and 11% in Suffolk say they will not get the shot.

News 12 Staff

Apr 15, 2021, 9:44 PM

Updated 1,100 days ago

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The Johnson & Johnson vaccine pause is causing concern about a possible rise in vaccine hesitancy.
But using data from the U.S. Census Bureau's Household Pulse Survey, the CDC found that overall vaccine hesitancy is low in New York.
On Long Island, 10% of respondents in Nassau and 11% in Suffolk say they will not get the shot.
The CDC says the vaccine hesitancy rates are highest in Wyoming and North Dakota, with both states at 31%.
Pharmacist Kimberly Kiernan, of Carman Drugs in Carle Place, says the Johnson & Johnson pause has not resulted in vaccine hesitancy among her patrons.
"It's been very minimal in terms of people canceling appointments. People seem very eager to come here to get it with us," said Kiernan.
There are no signs of vaccine hesitancy at the Yes We Can Community Center in Westbury, where a steady flow of people came in Thursday to get their shot.
"It's just peace of mind. I mean, we want to get back to normal and we believe in its effectiveness. Herd immunity is pretty important so we want to make sure we're a part of that," said Cindy Schultz.
Doctors say that attitude will help the region reach the goal of herd immunity faster.
"I think Long Islanders are playing it smart. They understand they benefit of the vaccines, the understand the vaccines will help us get back to a normal life," said Dr. Bruce Polsky, from NYU Langone Hospital.


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