CS000000-A | 3/28/22

COVID-19 State of Vaccine 

Confidence Insights Report

Report 24 | March 28, 2022 | Date Range: February 1 – 21, 2022 

Summary

Major Themes

 Consumers’ interest in new COVID-19 vaccines from Ocugen-Bharat Biotech and Novavax, which are not yet FDA-authorized, 

but are WHO prequalified.

 Continued discussions on infection-induced immunity versus vaccine-induced immunity among the public.

 Increasing public perception that the pandemic is over; support for community mitigation efforts is waning.

 New and Emerging Myths 

 Myth emerged about a syndrome called Vaccine Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (VAIDS).

 Continuing and Evolving 

 Some parents are disappointed in the delay of COVID-19 vaccines for children less than 5 years old while others are strongly 

opposed to pediatric vaccines.

Ways to take action. Federal, state, and local partners should continue to work together to explain the rationale for updated 

guidance, respond to gaps in information, and confront misinformation with evidence-based messaging. These efforts aim to 

increase confidence in COVID-19 vaccines and expand vaccine uptake more broadly. Partners should create and disseminate 

messages about the safety and effectiveness of COVID-19 primary series vaccination and a booster dose compared to getting 

immunity by being infected with the SARS-CoV-2 that causes COVID-19 (known as infection-induced immunity). 

Resources: The following link contains social media resources such as graphics, language, and social media calendars that our 

partners can use to address the issues raised in this report: 

https://centersfordiseasecontrol.sharefile.com/d-s2cd17ce5f09d4884908cf8aa486ffea0

Contents

2 Aims and Methods

3 Major Themes Affecting Vaccine Confidence

3 Consumers expressed interest in getting Ocugen-Bharat Biotech and 

Novavax’s COVID-19 vaccines

5 Consumers and news outlets continue to compare immunity from infection 

and immunity from vaccines

7 People express their belief that the pandemic is over and that their support 

for vaccine and community mitigation requirements has ended

8 Emerging Misinformation Theme Affecting Vaccine Confidence

8 Emerging misinformation and myth that the COVID-19 vaccines cause 

Vaccine Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (VAIDS), are made with HIV, 

or will give people HIV

9 Continuing and Evolving Themes Affecting Vaccine Confidence

9 Consumers continue to discuss their concerns about COVID-19 vaccines for 

children

11 Appendix: Inputs and Sources

Centers for Disease Control & Prevention, 

COVID-19 Response, Vaccine Task Force

Vaccine Confidence & Demand Team, Insights Unit

The findings and conclusions in this report are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily represent the official position of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
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COVID-19 State of Vaccine Confidence Insights Report | Report 24 | March 28, 2022

Aims and Methods

By rapidly reviewing and analyzing numerous sources and inputs (see Appendix), the COVID-19 State of Vaccine Confidence 

Insights Report emphasizes major themes influencing COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy and uptake. These are characterized by the 

level and type of threat to vaccine confidence, degree of spread, and directionality. In addition, by examining how consumers 

think and feel, social processes, and the practical issues around vaccination, the Insights Report seeks to identify emerging 

issues of misinformation, disinformation, and places where intervention efforts can improve vaccine confidence across the 

United States.

The information in this report is only a snapshot, and certain populations may be underrepresented. Images and quotes are 

illustrative examples and are not meant to comprehensively cover all content related to the highlighted themes. 

How do you classify this theme/information? 

High risk Moderate risk Low risk Positive sentiment

 May lead to vaccine 

refusals and decreased 

uptake 

 Wide reach, pervasive  

 Potential to trigger 

hesitancy to vaccination

 Moderate reach, modest 

dissemination 

 Concerning, but low risk 

to vaccine confidence 

 Limited reach, limited 

dissemination 

 Could increase vaccine 

confidence, intent, or 

motivation

 Variable reach and 

dissemination

How has this theme/idea changed over time (since last report or over the course of multiple reports)? 

Increasing

Information spreading rapidly 

Stable

Information remaining 

constant at prior level 

Decreasing

Information is not gaining further 

traction and there has been no 

indication of additional activity 
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COVID-19 State of Vaccine Confidence Insights Report | Report 24 | March 28, 2022

Major Themes Affecting Vaccine Confidencea

Consumers expressed interest in getting Ocugen-Bharat Biotech and Novavax’s 

COVID-19 vaccines 

On January 31, 2022, Novavax filed for an emergency use authorization (EUA) from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) 

for its COVID-19 vaccine, known as Nuvaxovid in other countries.1 On February 18, 2022, Ocugen-Bharat Biotech announced 

that the FDA lifted a clinical hold on the company’s application to evaluate their COVID-19 vaccine, known as Covaxin in other 

countries.2,3,4 During this reporting period, the United Kingdom and Canada approved the Novavax vaccine for use.5,6 Online 

searches related to these two vaccines increased more than 300% during this reporting period.b

 

News outlets discussed that these vaccines are not mRNA vaccines, that people perceive them to be more “traditional” vaccines, 

and that this may increase preference for their use.7,8

 News outlets also reported that the Novavax vaccine has similar efficacy 

to the Pfizer-BioNTech and Moderna COVID-19 vaccines9

 but has fewer side effects.10 Also, the Ocugen-Bharat Biotech and 

Novavax vaccines were not developed or created using fetal cell lines. News stories discussed that, for this reason, people who 

are opposed to the use of fetal cell lines and who have not received a COVID-19 vaccine may get the Ocugen-Bharat Biotech or 

Novavax vaccine.11 The mRNA vaccines currently authorized or approved by the FDA (Pfizer-BioNTech and Moderna) do not use 

fetal cell lines or any live viruses that cause COVID-19 in vaccine manufacturing and cannot cause infection with the virus that 

causes COVID-19.12 However, mRNA vaccines required the use of fetal cell lines in testing during research and development, and 

Johnson & Johnson’s Janssen COVID-19 vaccine used fetal cell lines during the production process.13

Perceptions, Concerns, and Threats to Vaccine Confidence

 A recent Harris Poll found that 73% of Americans would like to see additional COVID-19 vaccines available to the public and 

developed from a more “traditional” method, while 40% of parents with unvaccinated children 18 years old and younger 

say they would be more likely to vaccinate their children if there were a new COVID-19 vaccine developed from a more 

“traditional” method.14,15,16

 Social media users campaigned for these new vaccines using hashtags such as #ichoosecovaxin, #covaxin4kids, and 

#Novavaxnow.c,17,18,19,20

 Social media users expressed their preference for the OcugenBharat Biotech and Novavax vaccines for several reasons.

 Allergies to the COVID-19 vaccines that are currently available in 

the United States.21,22

 Belief that mRNA vaccines are not effective.23,24,25

 Belief that the Ocugen-Bharat Biotech and Novavax vaccines are 

safer than COVID-19 vaccines that are currently available in the 

United States.26,27,28

 The availability of vaccines people perceive as more “traditional” 

may increase vaccine confidence because the public believes they are safer and more effective. 

Content Gaps and Information Voids

 What is the authorization status of the Ocugen-Bharat Biotech and Novavax vaccines?29

 On February 18, 2022, Ocugen-Bharat Biotech announced that the FDA lifted a clinical hold on the company’s application 

to evaluate their COVID-19 vaccine for adults.30,31,32 Ocugen-Bharat Biotech is proceeding with Phase 2 and 3 clinical 

trials.33 Also, on March 4, 2022, the FDA declined to issue an EUA for the Ocugen-Bharat Biotech vaccine for children and 

adolescents ages 2 to 18 years.34

 On January 31, 2022, Novavax filed for an EUA from the FDA for its COVID-19 vaccine for adults.35 There is no additional 

information at this time.

a

Citations in this report are illustrative examples and are not the total number of instances of the corresponding themes.

b

Google Trends

c

WHO EARS
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COVID-19 State of Vaccine Confidence Insights Report | Report 24 | March 28, 2022

 Why has the FDA not authorized the Ocugen-Bharat Biotech and Novavax vaccines?d

 FDA is globally respected for its scientific standards of vaccine safety, effectiveness, and quality. The agency provides 

scientific and regulatory advice to vaccine developers and undertakes a rigorous evaluation of the scientific information 

through all phases of clinical trials, which continues after a vaccine has been approved by FDA or authorized for emergency 

use. FDA recognizes the gravity of the current public health emergency and the importance of facilitating availability, as 

soon as possible, of vaccines to prevent COVID-19 - vaccines that the public will trust and have confidence in receiving.36

FDA is waiting on data from Ocugen-Bharat Biotech’s Phase II/III study to move forward with authorization. 

 Are the Ocugen-Bharat Biotech and Novavax vaccines safer or more effective than mRNA vaccines?37,38

 Scientists do not know how these vaccines compare to the current mRNA vaccines. However, in the World Health 

Organization’s (WHO’s) review of the Ocugen-Bharat Biotech and Novavax vaccines for emergency use listing, they are 

considered highly effective in preventing severe disease and hospitalization caused by COVID-19.39

Misinformation Themes

 Misinformation about the FDA ignoring or purposefully delaying the authorization of the new vaccines continues.40,41,42

Ways to Take Action

 Create and disseminate messages communicating that the currently authorized and approved COVID-19 vaccines are safe and 

effective, and that receiving these vaccines now is safer than waiting for authorization of new vaccines.

 Start creating messages and a communication plan with trusted messengers to share information on the efficacy, safety, 

and availability of the Ocugen-Bharat Biotech and Novavax vaccines. Once authorization of these vaccines occurs, quickly 

disseminate these messages to leverage the potentially increased online conversations and social media algorithms to 

increase the reach of the messages. 

d

CDC-INFO
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COVID-19 State of Vaccine Confidence Insights Report | Report 24 | March 28, 2022

Consumers and news outlets continue to compare SARS-CoV-2 infection-induced 

immunity and COVID-19 vaccine-induced immunity

Infection-induced immunity was discussed by consumers and news outlets at a high but decreasing rate compared to the 

previous reporting period (January 11 – 31, 2022).43,44,45 Variations of search terms “CDC and natural immunity” continued to 

show popularity as Google Trends’ top and rising topics.46 Also, online searches for “Johns Hopkins University” increased 550% 

during the reporting period.47 This increase is potentially related to an article from a surgeon and public policy researcher at 

Johns Hopkins suggesting that the prevalence and durability of antibodies among people who are unvaccinated and previously 

infected lasted approximately 2 years. 48 The limitations of the study were notably absent from online conversations (for 

example, the test the researchers used, the Roche Elecsys test, yields high antibody test results over time even as antibodies 

decrease; therefore, persistent signals on this assay do not correspond well with protection from infection).

49 Other research 

contradicting the superiority of infection-induced immunity was released during the reporting period but failed to generate the 

same awareness as the article from the researcher at Johns Hopkins. Many consumers discussed the findings from an updated 

model from the Institute of Health Metrics showing that more than 70% of people in the United States had some protection 

against infection with the virus that causes COVID-19.50,51 Other conversations related to infection-induced immunity included 

the concepts of “herd immunity”,52,53 perceived need for childhood vaccination,54,55 and vaccine requirement opposition.56,57 

Highly visible comments from philanthropist Bill Gates, which equated the spread of the Omicron variant in Africa to COVID-19 

vaccine-induced immunity,58 have likely contributed to sustaining the discussions on infection-induced immunity during the 

reporting period. 

Perceptions, Concerns, and Threat to Vaccine Confidence 

 Consumers noted there are conflicting opinions on the topic of infection-induced immunity.59 

 Some consumers inquired why more research on infection-induced immunity was not conducted to establish the connection 

between previous infection with the virus that causes COVID-19 and lasting protection against the disease.60

 Increased discussion of infection-induced immunity coupled with the removal of safety measures and vaccine requirements 

may be perceived by some to mean that primary series vaccination or a booster dose are not necessary.61 

Content Gaps and Information Voids

 Are people who recover from SARS-CoV-2 infection more protected from COVID-19 than people who have received a primary 

series vaccination? 

 Getting COVID-19 offers some protection from future illness with COVID-19; this is sometimes called “natural immunity.” 

The level of protection received from having COVID-19 may vary depending on the severity of illness, time since infection, 

and age. No currently available test can reliably determine if you are protected after infection with the virus that causes 

COVID-19 or how long any such protection would last.62 mRNA vaccines tend to produce more consistent high-titer 

antibody response in comparison to infection. In spite of this, multiple large epidemiologic studies have shown protection 

following infection was at least comparable to protection following vaccination. Vaccination provides additional benefit for 

those with a history of SARS-CoV-2 infection.63

 Why should people get vaccinated if they already had COVID-19? 

 All COVID-19 vaccines currently available in the United States are effective at preventing COVID-19 and preventing severe 

illness, hospitalization, and death. People who have already been sick with the disease and get vaccinated get some 

additional protection against getting infected, severe illness, hospitalization, and death. Getting COVID-19 can offer some 

protection against future illness, but the level of protection a person receives from having COVID-19 may vary depending 

on how mild or severe their illness was, the time since their infection, and their age. Additionally, history of infection alone 

offered much less protection against infection with Omicron than previous variants; however, those with hybrid immunity

(results from a combination of natural immunity to SARS-CoV-2 and vaccine-generated immunity) appear to develop better 

protection against new variants and longer-lasting protection.64 

 Will CDC incorporate the role of infection-induced immunity into their vaccination and mitigation guidance? 

 Currently, there are not enough data to know the level of antibodies needed to indicate when a person is protected from 

infection with the virus that causes COVID-19. There is neither an FDA-authorized or FDA-approved test nor any other 

scientifically validated strategy that providers or the public can use to reliably determine whether a person is protected 

from infection. 
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COVID-19 State of Vaccine Confidence Insights Report | Report 24 | March 28, 2022

Misinformation Themes 

 Risk of death associated with COVID-19 vaccination is equal to or greater than that associated with infection with the virus 

that causes COVID-19.65

 The MMWR on infection-induced immunity supports other studies that found infection-induced immunity was vastly

superior to vaccine-induced immunity.66,67,68

 Public health officials ruined lives by implementing COVID-19 prevention measures.69

 CDC is ignoring key data associated with the effectiveness of infection-induced immunity.70,71 

 Getting infected is safer than vaccination because there is no risk from potential COVID-19 vaccine side effects or adverse 

events.72

Ways to Take Action 

 Continue to support research that explores the levels and duration of protection from infection-induced immunity and 

vaccine-induced immunity. 

 Create and disseminate messages, especially through trusted messengers, about the safety and effectiveness of COVID-19 

vaccination, including a booster dose, compared to infection-induced immunity. 

 Create talking points and fact sheets for healthcare providers to aid in patient discussions regarding the benefits of COVID-19 

vaccination, including a booster dose, versus infection-induced immunity. 

 Disseminate messages that explain the limitations of using antibody titer results to determine protection from future infection 

with the virus that causes COVID-19. 
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COVID-19 State of Vaccine Confidence Insights Report | Report 24 | March 28, 2022

People express the belief that the pandemic is over and that their support for 

vaccine and community mitigation requirements has ended

As the Omicron wave receded across the United States, discussions about the COVID-19 response moving into an endemic 

phase fueled Americans’ growing pandemic fatigue. Discussions about moving to an endemic phase also sowed more doubt 

about the need for vaccinations and other public health mitigation measures, including masking and lockdowns. Additionally, 

many state and local governments began repealing COVID-19 mitigation requirements and moving from an emergency to 

an endemic phase response plan.73 Many Americans, including prominent politicians, urged CDC and government officials to 

“return to normal,” citing the number of Americans infected during the Omicron surge as evidence that COVID-19 should be 

considered endemic.74,75

Perceptions, Concerns, and Threat to Vaccine Confidence 

 Opinions from public health officials on the next phase of the pandemic are divided.76,77,78

 Some social media users expressed pandemic fatigue79,80,81,82 and wanted CDC to stop disseminating public health messages/

recommendations on COVID-19.83,84,85,86

 Many consumers believed the mask mandates and lockdowns didn’t help reduce COVID-19 deaths87,88,89or were based solely 

on political motivations.90

 Some social media users believed Omicron was not severe and created enough natural immunity to remove all COVID-19 

prevention measures and requirements.90,91,92,93

 Some social media users believed the repeal of COVID-19 protections vindicates their refusal to follow COVID-19 prevention 

recommendations.94,95,96,97

Content Gaps and Information Voids

 As the number of COVID-19 cases declines, is it still necessary to receive a primary series of COVID-19 vaccine or booster 

dose?98

 COVID-19 vaccines are effective at protecting you from severe outcomes and death from COVID-19, even if you have had 

COVID-19 in the past. Vaccination is an important tool to help us get back to normal.99

 As state and local governments update their COVID-19 community mitigation recommendations, should masks still be worn 

in indoor public places?  

 When making decisions about community prevention strategies and individual preventive behaviors, health officials and 

people should consider the COVID-19 community level in their county. 

 Layered prevention strategies — like staying up to date on vaccines, screening testing, ventilation, and wearing masks — 

can help limit severe disease and reduce the potential for strain on the healthcare system. CDC recommends using county 

COVID-19 community levels to help determine which COVID-19 prevention measures to use for people and communities.

100

 COVID-19 community levels do not apply in healthcare settings, such as hospitals and nursing homes. 

 You can find more information and your county’s COVID-19 community level by going to CDC’s COVID-19 Community 

Levels website.

Misinformation Themes 

 CDC and government officials knew mitigation efforts like vaccines, masks, and lockdowns would be ineffective but continued 

to push them for political gain.101,102,103

 CDC and U.S. leaders will be tried for crimes against humanity for implementing COVID-19 vaccine and mask 

requirements.104,105

Ways to Take Action 

 Develop and amplify messages explaining why vaccines are still important in the COVID-19 prevention response. 

 Disseminate messages about community-level risk and corresponding COVID-19 mitigation measures. 
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COVID-19 State of Vaccine Confidence Insights Report | Report 24 | March 28, 2022

Emerging Misinformation Theme Affecting Vaccine Confidence

Emerging misinformation and myth that the COVID-19 vaccines cause Vaccine 

Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (VAIDS), are made with HIV, or will give 

people HIV

Some consumers expressed the belief that people can acquire “Vaccine Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome” (VAIDS) or 

“immune erosion” from COVID-19 vaccinations.106,107,108,109,110 Misinformation was widely circulated across social media that the 

late French virologist Dr. Luc Montagnier, who won a Nobel Prize for his work on HIV, had recommended HIV tests for those 

receiving the third COVID-19 vaccine dose.111,112,113 There is no evidence Dr. Luc Montagnier ever said this. Some social media 

posts referred to a letter sent by a group of researchers to The Lancet on October 19, 2020, as the source of this misleading 

information.114 The letter expressed concern about the use of recombinant adenovirus type-5 (Ad5) vectors in Johnson & 

Johnson/Janssen and Astra-Zeneca COVID-19 vaccines.115 Online conversations surrounding “HIV/AIDS” rose by 3850% during 

the current reporting time frame.eNotably, these false claims have been debunked by various news outlets,116,117,118,119 scientists, 

and doctors.

Perceptions, Concerns, and Threats to Vaccine Confidence

 Some social media users120,121,122,123,124,125 and news outlets126,127 claimed 

that COVID-19 vaccines (particularly a booster dose) contain “HIV 

particles,” which cause VAIDS.

 Based on the misleading VAIDS claim, there were calls online for those 

who had received COVID-19 vaccines to get tested for HIV.128,129,130,131,132

 Some voiced concerns about the absence of long-term studies to 

determine side effects of COVID-19 vaccines.133

Content Gaps and Information Voids

 Is VAIDS a known medical condition?

 No. VAIDS is not a known medical condition.

 Do COVID-19 vaccines weaken the immune system?

 No. There is no scientific evidence that COVID-19 vaccines weaken or 

impair the immune system. 

 Did COVID-19 vaccines create the subtype-B variant of HIV-1? 

 No. There is no relationship between COVID-19 vaccination and HIV.134 

Misinformation Themes

 Moderna used HIV in its COVID-19 vaccine to allow the transport of 

mRNA into the human cell.135,136

 People who got vaccinated against COVID-19 should get tested for HIV.137,138

 COVID-19 vaccines increase the risk of HIV infection.139

 Australia abandoned a COVID-19 vaccine trial because study participants were testing positive for HIV.140

 VAIDS was invented to control the general population.141,142,143

Ways to Take Action

 Promote the benefits of being vaccinated by amplifying the safety and efficacy of COVID-19 vaccines. 

 Encourage healthcare providers to engage in conversations that address vaccine safety concerns by discussing potential side 

effects, vaccine benefits, and low rate of adverse events. 

 Create and disseminate messages with talking points for healthcare providers to assist them in their conversations. 

 Partner with public, health, and religious institutions (e.g., schools, universities, churches) to disseminate plain language 

information about the steps involved in vaccine development.

e

Google Trends
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COVID-19 State of Vaccine Confidence Insights Report | Report 24 | March 28, 2022

Continuing and Evolving Themes Affecting Vaccine Confidence

The themes below have been noted in previous reports and continue to undermine vaccine confidence. The information 

highlighted below focuses on what is new or different from previous reports. For additional context and previous 

recommendations on these themes, see previous Insights Reports.

Consumers continue to discuss their concerns about COVID-19 vaccines for children  

On February 1, 2022, following a request from the FDA, Pfizer and BioNTech initiated a rolling EUA submission process of their 

COVID-19 vaccine in children ages 6 months through 4 years.144 However, on February 11, the FDA postponed the Vaccines 

and Related Biological Products Advisory Committee (VRBPAC) meeting, originally scheduled for February 15 to allow time to 

review additional data, specifically data that evaluated a third dose in this age group.145Although some parents have expressed 

disappointment and frustration about the delay,146,147,148,149 others expressed strong opposition to vaccination of children against 

COVID-19, maintaining that COVID-19 vaccines for children are unnecessary and unethical in this population.150,151,152

Perceptions, Concerns, and Threats to Vaccine Confidence

 Many consumers are refraining from vaccinating their children ages 5 years and older because of concerns about unknown 

potential long-term side effects.153,154,155

 Some social media users are extremely disinterested in vaccinating their children, leading to low vaccine uptake in this age 

group.156,157,158

 Many parents are discouraged by the FDA’s decision to delay authorizing a vaccine for children 6 months through 4 years of 

age and concerned that this will lead to an increase of COVID-19 cases in this age group, as well as heightened COVID-19 risk 

to family members.159,160,161

 Public health officials have stressed the importance of vaccinating young children as soon as reliable, robust, and complete 

data are available and only after authorized by the FDA and recommended by CDC.162,163,164  

 Some social media users expressed the belief that there are not enough data to warrant the vaccination of children.165,166,167

Content Gaps and Information Voids

 When will a vaccine for children under 5 years old be available? 

 The timing of a COVID-19 vaccine authorized for children younger than 5 years is unknown. Currently, children 5 through 11 

years of age are eligible to receive the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine.

 Are unvaccinated children able to travel? 

 Travelers should be aware of vaccination requirements at their travel destinations.

168 Unvaccinated children older than 2 

years of age must get a viral test no more than 1 day before the flight’s departure from a foreign country and show their 

negative test result report. If the child had a positive viral test on a sample taken during the past 90 days, and they met the 

criteria to travel, they may travel instead with a positive viral test results and a signed letter from a healthcare provider or a 

public health official that states they have been cleared for travel according to CDC’s travel guidance. These requirements do 

not apply to children under 2 years of age.

 What is the protocol concerning COVID-19 vaccination administration error if a child gets an adult dose of the Pfizer-BioNTech 

COVID-19 vaccine? 

 COVID-19 vaccination administration errors should be reported to VAERS and the parents notified of the error. This table

provides resources for preventing and reporting COVID-19 vaccine administration errors and actions to take after an error 

has occurred. It includes additional scenarios that deviate from CDC recommendations for vaccine intervals but are not 

considered administration errors for completeness.169 The table below provides interim recommendations when children 

receive the wrong dosage:
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COVID-19 State of Vaccine Confidence Insights Report | Report 24 | March 28, 2022

 Will data for the COVID-19 vaccine in children be available before the EUA is granted?  

 Pfizer-BioNTech publicly shares all results (neutral, negative, and positive) from clinical trials. If the FDA considers a COVID-19 

vaccine for children under 5 years old, the agency will conduct an independent analysis of the data and that analysis will be 

publicly available ahead of a VRBPAC meeting. The companies also present their data at this public meeting.170

 What is the appropriate dosage of COVID-19 vaccine that a child or teen should receive? 

 The below image is from the CDC’s COVID-19 Vaccine: Interim COVID-19 Immunization Schedule for Ages 5 Years and Older. 

It contains the dosage of each COVID-19 vaccine by brand and age range.171



Misinformation Themes

 Children cannot get infected with the virus that causes COVID-19. In the rare situations in which children become sick with 

COVID-19, it is never severe. Therefore, vaccinating this age group is not needed.172,173,174

 The COVID-19 vaccine will kill more children than infection with the virus that causes COVID-19.175,176,177

 CDC and the FDA are untrustworthy and purposefully withholding data showing the inefficacy of vaccines.178,179,180

Ways to Take Action

 Provide public health professionals, doctors, schools, and daycare centers with information about childhood morbidity from 

COVID-19 to communicate the urgency and importance of vaccination in all children. 

 Ensure trial data for all COVID-19 vaccines are publicly accessible and easy to understand, especially information about 

potential side effects and adverse events.  

 Encourage public health experts, community leaders, and pediatricians to promote pediatric COVID-19 vaccinations to 

parents of children 5 years and older. 
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COVID-19 State of Vaccine Confidence Insights Report | Report 24 | March 28, 2022

Appendix: Inputs and Sources

Type Input Cadence Sources Tactics for Utilization

Social Media 

Listening 

& Media 

Monitoring

Communication Surveillance 

Report

Daily on 

weekdays

Google news

 Meltwater

CrowdTangle

Native platform searches

 Share of voice topic analysis to identify themes

 Emerging topics 

Meltwater Daily  Facebook, Twitter, Instagram

 Blogs

News media

Online forums

 Share of voice topic analysis

 Emerging theme topics

Identify high reach/velocity topics

OADC (Office of the 

Associate Director of 

Communication) Channel 

COVID-19 Post metrics

Weekly  Sprout Social

Native OADC account analytics

 Analyze # of posts, topics 

 Success of messages, # of impressions, reach, # 

engagements

OADC Channel Comment 

Analysis

Daily on 

weekdays

Native platform searches  Sentiment analysis

Identify message gaps/voids

Direct 

Reports

CDC-INFO Metrics Weekly CDC-INFO inquiry line list

 Prepared response (PR) usage report

Cross-compare PR usage with inquiry 

theme analysis

 Sentiment analysis

Identify information gaps/voids

VTF Media Requests Weekly  Media request line list  Leading indicator for news coverage

Identify information gaps/voids

Web Metrics Weekly  Top pages

Google search queries

 Top FAQs

 Referring domains

Identify information gaps/voids,

Identify keywords/search terms, changes in web 

traffic

Research

Poll Review Weekly Harris Poll, PEW research, Gallup Poll, 

KFF 

New data related to vaccine 

hesitancy

Identify socio-behavior indicators related to 

motivation and intention to vaccinate 

Literature Review Weekly  PubMed, LitCovid, ProQuest Central, 

Altmetric 

New data related to vaccine 

hesitancy

Identify current vaccination intention

Identify barriers to vaccination

Third Party 

Reports

Tanaq Social Listening 

+Media Monitoring Report

Weekly  Meltwater

 Sprout Social

 First Draft

Native platform searches

 Trending topics

Demographic and geographic conversation 

monitoring

CrowdTangle content 

insights report

Biweekly  Facebook  Top pages (voices), groups

General trends/sentiment analysis

News analysis through posts

First Draft News Vaccine 

Misinformation Insights 

Report

Monthly  Proprietary methods  Media trends analysis

 Emerging threats and data deficits

Online vaccine narratives

Project VCTR Weekly  Proprietary methods National and regional trends in negative 

attitudes toward vaccination

Conversations around Legislation

Virality Project Weekly  Proprietary methods  Mis- and disinformation trends related to 

COVID-19 vaccine