CS000000-A | 6/10/22

COVID-19 State of Vaccine 

Confidence Insights Report

Report 26 | June 10, 2022 | Date Range: March 14 – April 4, 2022

SPECIAL UPDATE: CDC partners can now report COVID-19 rumors directly to CDC. To report a rumor, 

go to: www.cdc.gov/report-rumors and start the subject line with: “Rumors:” In the question box, give as much information 

about the rumor as you can, including a description of the rumor, where you heard it, and how many times you have heard it.

Summary

Major themes identified by consumers that may impact vaccine confidence:

 The impact of future and current variants on case counts, hospitalizations and deaths and the potential for this to occur with 

the emergence of the Omicron BA.2 variant. 

 The safety and effectiveness of booster doses especially after the authorization of a 2nd booster dose.

 Consumer concerns about and opposition to COVID-19 vaccines for children.

 The new and emerging theme that may impact vaccine confidence:

 Consumers continue to discuss the safety of COVID-19 vaccines, and the rare reports of tinnitus and hearing loss following 

vaccination.

 The continuing and evolving theme that may impact vaccine confidence: 

 Consumers and news outlets continue to discuss the effectiveness and availability of COVID-19 treatments.

Ways to take action. 

Federal, state, and local partners should continue to work together to explain the rationale for updated guidance on booster 

doses, respond to gaps in information identified in the Content Gaps and Information Voids sections of each theme in this 

report, and confront misinformation with evidence-based messaging. The goal of these efforts is to increase consumer 

confidence in COVID-19 vaccines and expand vaccine uptake more broadly. Messages about community-level risk and the 

need to follow COVID-19 mitigation measures should be disseminated when needed. Primary care physicians, public health 

experts, and community leaders should be encouraged to explain why the 2nd booster dose is necessary and its role in 

preventing severe illness from COVID-19. Trusted messengers should disseminate tailored messages related to the themes 

presented in this report.

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-sd376a1d783fe40048353b0255cfbb163

Contents

2 Aims and Methods

3 Discussions of the impact of current and future variants 

increased with the emergence of the Omicron BA.2 variant

5 Consumers discussed the safety and effectiveness of booster 

doses especially after the authorization of a 2nd booster dose

7 Consumers express concerns and opposition to COVID-19 

vaccines for children.

8 New and emerging theme that may impact vaccine 

confidence

8 Consumers continue to discuss the safety of the COVID-19 

vaccines, especially related to reports of tinnitus and hearing 

loss following vaccination. 

10 Continuing and evolving theme that may impact vaccine

confidence

10 Consumers and news outlets discussed the effectiveness

and availability of COVID-19 treatments

11 Appendix 1: Inputs and Sources

12 Appendix 2: Interim Clinical Considerations

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).
Page: 2

COVID-19 State of Vaccine Confidence Insights Report | Report 26 | June 10, 2022

Aims and Methods

 The COVID-19 State of Vaccine Confidence Insights Report (Insights Report) is based on a rapid review and analysis of numerous 

sources and inputs (see Appendix), and emphasizes major themes influencing COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy and uptake. The 

themes 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 
Page: 3

COVID-19 State of Vaccine Confidence Insights Report | Report 26 | June 10, 2022

Major themes identified that may impact vaccine confidencea

Discussions of the impact of current and future variants increased with the 

emergence of the Omicron BA.2 variant

Consumers discussed or expressed interest in the new subvariants of the SARS-CoV-2 Omicron strain, such as AY.4/BA.1 

recombinant (deltacron),1 Omicron BA.2 2, and XE.3 As of May 7, 2022, Omicron BA.2 is currently the dominant variant circulating 

in the US.4

 Officially declared a variant of concern by the World Health Organization on February 22, 2022,5 and termed the 

“stealth variant” by some, Omicron BA.2 led to increased COVID-19 cases in more than six states6 and a 444% increase in media 

reports related to the variant’s potential surge.7

Experts continued to discuss Omicron BA.2 in terms of its anticipated severity,8 necessary responses,9 and new challenges.10

“Omicron Variant” and “BA2”’ were breakout search terms for the reporting period11 and #COVIDIsNotOver was a dominant rising 

hashtag.12

Perceptions, Concerns, Threats to Vaccine Confidence

Asymptomatic transmission among fully vaccinated persons indicates to some consumers that COVID-19 vaccines are not 

effective.13,14,15

 Given domestic decreases in case counts and news stories about maintaining congressional pandemic-related funds in the 

future,16,17,18 some feel that the worst of the pandemic has passed.19,20,21,22 The aforementioned conditions, when coupled with 

a belief that there are high levels of immunity from vaccination, boosting, and prior infection in the general population,23 may 

provide justification for unvaccinated consumers to forego vaccination.

 WHO Early Artificial Intelligence-supported Response with Social Listening (EARS) found that during this reporting period, 

#COVIDisNotOver24maintained prominence as a top overall and top rising hashtag. “COVID-19 Variants” was a top category of 

conversation in WHO EARS. Additionally, Omicron BA.2 and Xe were both top and rising key terms for COVID-19 variants.25 

 Some research suggests there is an inadequate supply of vaccines to boost eligible populations.26 However, the development 

and purchase of additional vaccines may be met with some resistance given pandemic fatigue, a popular desire to be rid of 

preventive measures,27 and decreases to both funding28

and public concerns about variants.29.

 A recent poll reported that 76% of unvaccinated 

individuals said they have no intention to vaccinate.b

This percentage has remained stable for several 

reporting periods. In this same poll, 29% of 

vaccinated adults who have not received a booster 

dose said they will never get a booster dose while 

45% said they would wait to get a booster dose. Of 

those that said they would wait to get a booster dose, 

66% said they do not know how long they will wait.

 Popular support for the repeal of federal, state, and 

local governments lifting all COVID-19 restrictions 

has increased to 64%, an increase of 20 percent since 

early February.30

Content Gaps and Information Voidsc

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

dose? 

 Yes, 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.31

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

in indoor public places? 

a

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

b

HHS CET Wave 56

c

These questions come from online data sources such as social media, news stories, Google Trends, and CDC-INFO
Page: 4

COVID-19 State of Vaccine Confidence Insights Report | Report 26 | June 10, 2022

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

members of the public should consider the COVID-19 community level in their county. You can find more information about 

your county’s COVID-19 community level by going to CDC’s COVID-19 Community Levels website.

 Layered prevention strategies — like being fully vaccinated with primary doses and getting booster doses when eligible, 

screening testing, ventilation, and wearing masks — can help limit severe disease and reduce the potential for strain on the 

healthcare system.32

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

 Do current vaccines provide protection against the Omicron BA.2 variant?

 Current vaccines are expected to protect against severe illness, hospitalizations, and deaths due to infection with 

the Omicron variant.

33 Viruses are constantly changing and new types of the virus, called variants, occur. New variants of 

the virus that causes COVID-19 are spreading in the United States and in other parts of the world. COVID-19 vaccines are 

effective against the Delta variant and other variants with widespread circulation in the United States. We don’t yet know 

how effective the vaccines will be against new variants that might arise. CDC will continue to monitor vaccine effectiveness 

to see if variants have any impact on how well COVID-19 vaccines work under real-world conditions.34

 Can wastewater monitoring compensate for decreased rates of COVID-19 testing when new variants emerge or if cases start 

increasing again?

 CDC states that the National Wastewater Surveillance System (NWSS) data is important for the early detection of SARSCoV-2.35 Two advantages offered by NWSS are that is not dependent upon consumer access to healthcare or the availability 

of COVID-19 testing.36Wastewater testing over time can provide trend data that can complement other surveillance data 

to inform public health decision making. Data from wastewater testing are meant to complement existing COVID-19 

surveillance systems. However, at this time, it is not possible to predict the number of infected individuals reliably and 

accurately in a community based on wastewater testing. 

Identified misinformation themes that may impact vaccine confidence:

 Asymptomatic transmission is a false narrative37,38 and mass testing is pointless.39

 Infection-induced immunity, also referred to as “natural immunity,” negates the need to vaccinate despite SARS-CoV-2 

variants.40,41,42

 Messages concerning new variants are to create fear or to maintain and reclaim power.43,44

 COVID-19 vaccines cause variants.45

Ways public health and partners can take action to improve vaccine confidence: 

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

 Disseminate messages about community-level risk and the need to follow COVID-19 mitigation measures when needed.
Page: 5

COVID-19 State of Vaccine Confidence Insights Report | Report 26 | June 10, 2022

Consumers discussed the safety and effectiveness of booster doses especially 

after the authorization of a 2nd booster dose

On March 29, 2022, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) authorized a second booster dose of either the Pfizer-BioNTech or 

Moderna COVID-19 vaccines for individuals 50 years of age or older and certain immunocompromised individuals. The second 

booster dose should be administered 4 months after the receipt of the first booster dose.46 In response to the anticipated 

authorization and authorization itself, searches for “when will 2nd booster be available” increased by 700 percent.d Additionally, 

the term “booster” was both a rising and top keyword for internet searches related to COVID-19 vaccines.e Although some are 

relieved and comforted at the prospect of a 2nd booster dose,47,48,49 others cite lack of evidence,50,51,52 big pharma profits,53,54

and infection-induced immunity55,56,57 as reasons to avoid additional doses of a COVID-19 vaccine. Public health experts and 

government officials acknowledge the role of waning immunity in the authorization of additional boosters.58,59,60 However, 

experts are divided on the necessity of boosters and also warn that continuous booster doses will not be enough to decrease 

COVID-19 cases.61,62,63

Perceptions, Concerns, and Threats to Vaccine Confidence 

 In light of booster dose authorizations for both Moderna and PfizerBioNTech COVID-19 vaccines, individuals are seeking the most effective 

mix and match combination.64,65,66

 Lack of funding for COVID-19 mitigation measures and vaccine doses 

may negatively impact vaccine booster dose uptake.67,68,69

 Consumers are concerned that waning immunity from the initial booster 

dose indicates a consistent need for booster doses. Pandemic fatigue, 

coupled with already low booster uptake, may negatively impact rates of 

COVID-19 booster uptake.70,71,72

Content Gaps and Information Voids

 Will individuals still be allowed to get the 2nd booster dose even if government funds no longer remain?f

 The White House has estimated that without funding, the United States will not have enough additional boosters or 

variant specific vaccines, if needed, for all Americans. Without funding, the federal government is unable to purchase 

additional life-saving monoclonal antibody treatments and will run out of supply to send to states as soon as late May. 

Additionally, without more funding, the federal government cannot purchase sufficient quantities of treatments for 

immunocompromised individuals, and the federal government will be unable to sustain the testing capacity we built over 

the last 14 months, as we head into the second half of the year.73

 Is it okay to mix and match the 2nd booster dose? What is the difference in effectiveness between different combinations?g

 A National Institutes of Health (NIH)-supported study found that people produced antibody responses from all three 

booster vaccines, no matter which vaccine they had originally received. A booster of either Moderna or Pfizer-BioNTech 

caused similar or higher antibody responses than a booster of the same vaccine. During this study, no serious vaccinerelated adverse events were reported although more than half of the participants reported headache, pain at the injection 

site, muscle aches and malaise.74

 Additionally, CDC advises people to remember that 2nd boosters can only be Moderna or Pfizer-BioNTech (and for people 

ages 12 to 17 years, only Pfizer-BioNTech).75

 Who is eligible for a 2nd booster dose?f

 People ages 5 years and older who are moderately or severely immunocompromised should receive a total of 4 doses of 

mRNA COVID-19 vaccine to stay up to date. The 4 doses include a primary series of 3 doses of Pfizer-BioNTech or Moderna 

COVID-19 vaccine, plus 1 booster of Pfizer-BioNTech or Moderna COVID-19 vaccine, given on the schedule shown below. 

Only Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine is available for teens ages 12–17 years.76

 A booster dose is recommended for everyone ages 5 and older after completing their COVID-19 vaccine primary series.77 For 

more information go to CDC’s COVID-19 Vaccine: Interim COVID-19 Immunization Schedule for Ages 5 Years and Older. See 

Appendix 2 for more information about COVID-19 vaccine approvals and authorizations.78

d

Google Trends

e

WHO EARS

f

CDC-INFO

g

CDC-INFO
Page: 6

COVID-19 State of Vaccine Confidence Insights Report | Report 26 | June 10, 2022

Identified misinformation themes that may impact vaccine confidence: 

 A 2nd booster dose was only authorized for big pharma profits.79,80

 A 2nd booster dose was only authorized because the COVID-19 vaccine is ineffective.81,82,83

 The booster dose will not be effective because it was developed for the original 2019 strain of the virus.84,85,86

Ways public health and partners can take action to improve vaccine confidence 

 Encourage primary care physicians, public health experts, and community leaders to explain why the 2nd booster dose is 

necessary and its role in preventing severe illness from COVID-19 and infection from new variants.

 Share resources for individuals to help determine where they can access booster shots, that the COVID-19 primary series and 

booster doses are free, and that no health insurance is required. 

 Create and disseminate messages, especially with trusted messengers, that clarify who is eligible for the second booster dose.
Page: 7

COVID-19 State of Vaccine Confidence Insights Report | Report 26 | June 10, 2022

Consumers express concerns and opposition to COVID-19 vaccines for children. 

Parents and consumers continue to wait for final FDA approval of COVID-19 vaccines for children under 5 years of age. Pfizer 

hopes to have vaccines available for children 6 months to 4 years of age by June.87 Moderna is submitted paperwork to the 

FDA for emergency use authorization for their COVID-19 vaccine in children 6 months to 6 years of age.88 As the summer travel 

season approaches and government agencies update mask recommendations, many parents are seeking vaccine answers while 

others continue to express concerns regarding vaccine necessity, effectiveness, and side effects related to myocarditis.89,90,91

Perceptions, Concerns, and Threats to Vaccine Confidence  

 Some social media users believe that COVID-19 vaccines are ineffective 

at stopping COVID-19 or spread of the virus in children.92,93

 Government officials made public statements against vaccines for 

healthy children.94

 Consumers are worried about the unknown side effects from COVID-19 

vaccines in children, such as myocarditis.95,96

 Some consumers believe that the COVID-19 vaccine is not warranted 

in children because they are considered a low-risk population with 

minimal health effects from the virus and have a low death rate.97,98,99

Content Gaps and Information Voids 

 Should children be vaccinated before international travel?h

 CDC recommends that all recommend ages should be up to date with COVID-19 vaccines before travel (see appendix 2), 

which includes additional doses for individuals who are immunocompromised or booster doses when eligible.100

 Why is the vaccine recommended for all age groups regardless of health status? 

 Just like adults, children and teens can get very sick from COVID-19, have both short- and long-term health problems, and 

spread COVID-19 to others, including at home and school. There is no way to tell in advance how children or teens will be 

affected by COVID-19. However, those with underlying medical conditions or who have a weakened immune system are 

more likely to get severely ill from COVID-19.101

 Do COVID-19 vaccines cause myocarditis?

 Although rare, cases of myocarditis reported to the Vaccine Adverse Event Reporting System (VAERS) have occurred after 

mRNA COVID-19 vaccination (Pfizer-BioNTech or Moderna), especially in male adolescents and young adults, more often 

after the second dose, and usually within a week of vaccination. Most patients with myocarditis or pericarditis who received 

care responded well to medicine and rest and felt better quickly.102

Identified misinformation themes that may impact vaccine confidence 

 Children who are healthy do not need to receive the COVID-19 vaccine.103

 COVID-19 vaccines are ineffective and are not required for children.104,105

 The COVID-19 vaccine is an experiment on children and is not needed because children can build “natural immunity” through 

virus exposure.106,107

 Children vaccinated against COVID-19 are up to 52 times more likely to die following COVID-19 vaccination than unvaccinated 

children.108,109,110

Ways public health and partners can take action to improve vaccine confidence

 Encourage pediatricians, public health authorities, and community leaders to describe the benefits of COVID-19 vaccination in 

all children.  

 Continue to provide up-to-date data regarding adverse events, side effects, and benefits of vaccines. 

 Provide education and comparison data on outcomes for unvaccinated and vaccinated pediatric COVID-19 cases.

 Provide information regarding safety precautions, thereby reducing risk of exposure for children who are not yet eligible for 

the vaccine. 

h

CDC-INFO
Page: 8

COVID-19 State of Vaccine Confidence Insights Report | Report 26 | June 10, 2022

New and emerging theme that may impact vaccine confidence 

Consumers continue to discuss the safety of the COVID-19 vaccines, especially 

related to reports of tinnitus and hearing loss following vaccination.

A recent WHO Pharmaceuticals newsletter noted that the Uppsala Monitoring Centre identified hearing loss and tinnitus 

following COVID-19 vaccination frequently enough to warrant further investigation. The newsletter reported that reported 

cases of tinnitus and hearing loss occurred after vaccination with Pfizer/BioNTech, Moderna, and AstraZeneca. As of February 

22, 2022, there were 164 case reports of hearing loss after COVID-19 vaccination and 367 cases of tinnitus following COVID-19 

vaccination. The newsletter states that these cases occurred in 10 countries and no alternative causes were identified for most 

cases, although some had contributing morbidities. Time to onset of hearing loss or tinnitus was 0 to 1 day. Of those cases that 

reported outcome information, 50% were recovering or recovered while the other half had not recovered.

Consumers continued discussing other common COVID-19 vaccine 

safety concerns such as the impact of the COVID-19 vaccines on 

pregnancy and fertility,111 myocarditis,112 and whether the vaccine 

impacts DNA.113 Consumer discussions also continued about 

the release of a Pfizer document that listed reported adverse 

events following vaccination with Pfizer BioNTech’s COVID-19 

vaccine.114,115,116

Perceptions, Concerns, and Threats to Vaccine Confidence 

 Social media users discussed their belief that the COVID-19 vaccine causes tinnitus and hearing loss117,118,119 while others 

posted about how the incidence of hearing loss and tinnitus after vaccination was so low that it was not a concern.120,121,122

 There were 22 CDC-INFO inquiries inquiring about the possibility of COVID-19 vaccine-related tinnitus and hearing loss.i

 News outlets discussed the release of the WHO newsletter that noted cases of tinnitus and hearing loss after 

vaccination.123,124,125,126,127

 News outlets and some social media users continued to discuss the impact of the COVID-19 vaccines on fertility and 

pregnancy. 128,129,130,131,132,133

 Discussions of vaccine related fertility and pregnancy concerns increased 16% (52,900 mentions) during this reporting period.j

 Several studies were released during this reporting period that presented evidence that infection with the virus that causes 

COVID-19 can impact the reproductive system of males and females.134,135,136

Content Gaps and Information Voids 

 Do COVID-19 vaccines cause hearing loss or tinnitus?

 At the time of the publication of this report, at least two studies have 

examined the relationship between COVID-19 vaccination and hearing 

loss. One publication found no association137 while the other found an 

association with a small effect size.138

 What are the side effects of COVID-19 vaccines? 

 Common side effects include pain, redness, swelling, tiredness, 

headache, muscle pain, and fever.139,140 Severe allergic reactions and 

adverse effects that could cause a long-term health problem are 

extremely rare.141,142

 What is the risk of myocarditis after mRNA COVID-19 vaccination? 

 The known risks of COVID-19 illness and its related, possibly severe, complications, such as long-term health problems, 

hospitalization, and even death, far outweigh the potential risks of having a rare adverse reaction to vaccination. This 

includes the possible risk of myocarditis or pericarditis.143

 Most patients with myocarditis or pericarditis who received care responded well to medicine and rest and felt better quickly. 

Patients can usually return to their normal daily activities after their symptoms improve.144

 Infection with the virus that causes COVID-19 increases the likelihood of myocarditis much more than vaccination.145

i

CDC-INFO

j

Meltwater
Page: 9

COVID-19 State of Vaccine Confidence Insights Report | Report 26 | June 10, 2022

 Do COVID-19 vaccines weaken the immune system?

 No. There is no scientific evidence that COVID-19 vaccines weaken or impair the immune system.146 

 What are the effects of COVID-19 vaccines on fertility? 

 There is currently no evidence that any vaccines, including COVID-19 vaccines, affect fertility in women or men.147,148

 What are the effects of COVID-19 vaccines on pregnancy? 

 There is currently no evidence that COVID-19 vaccines increase the risk of preterm birth, low birth weight, or stillbirth.

Infection with the virus that causes COVID-19 during pregnancy may increase the risk of severe illnesses, hospitalizations 

and deaths in mothers and newborns.149 A recent MMWR found that completion of a 2-dose mRNA COVID-19 vaccination 

series during pregnancy might help prevent COVID-19 hospitalization among infants less than 6 months old.150

 Do the mRNA COVID-19 vaccines alter DNA inside human cells?

 COVID-19 vaccines do not change or interact with your DNA in any way. The genetic material delivered by mRNA vaccines 

does not enter the nucleus of your cells, which contains DNA.151

 Does adverse event data in the Pfizer report indicate that vaccines are dangerous?

 The Pfizer document is an inventory of adverse events, or health issues reported following vaccination, regardless of 

whether the vaccine caused them.152

Identified misinformation themes that may impact vaccine confidence: 

 WHO said that the COVID-19 vaccines definitely cause hearing loss.153

 COVID-19 vaccines cause reproductive health problems such as miscarriages, premature birth, genetic disorders in fetuses, 

and infertility.154,154,155

 COVID-19 vaccines contain “strange life forms”156 and can be transcribed into human DNA.157

 COVID-19 vaccines are not vaccines but experimental gene therapy.158,159

 COVID-19 vaccines cause recipients to develop vaccine-induced acquired immune deficiency syndrome (VAIDS).160

Ways public health and partners can take action to improve vaccine confidence: 

 Tailor and disseminate messages through trusted messengers related to the following topics:

 COVID-19 vaccines do not weaken or impair the immune system, and there is no such thing as VAIDS.

 COVID-19 vaccines do not change or interact with the human DNA in any way. 

 CDC continues to monitor the safety of COVID-19 vaccines for everyone, including pregnant women.

 The risks of infection with the virus that causes COVID-19 include, but are not limited to, erectile dysfunction, preterm births, 

myocarditis and death. 

 COVID-19 vaccines do not affect fertility.

 Serious adverse events after vaccination are rare. 

 The increased severity of hearing difficulties may totally or partially be explained by physiologic deterioration of the 

condition, or by a misperception due to the use of face masks.161

 Create and disseminate simple, clear messages about the process for authorizing, approving, making recommendations for, 

monitoring the safety of, distributing, allocating, and administering COVID-19 vaccines, including data handling.

 Provide regular updates on the benefits, safety, side effects and effectiveness of COVID-19 vaccines and clearly communicate 

what is known and what is being done to find out what isn’t known.
Page: 10

COVID-19 State of Vaccine Confidence Insights Report | Report 26 | June 10, 2022

Continuing and evolving theme that may impact 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 and news outlets discussed the effectiveness and availability of 

COVID-19 treatments

The United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) issued an emergency use authorization (EUA) for two oral antivirals 

- Pfizer’s Paxlovid and Merck’s molnupiravir for outpatient treatment of mild to moderate COVID-19 infection.162 In addition, 

the Test to Treat initiative was launched nationwide to improve accessibility to effective COVID-19 therapeutics163 within 5 

days of symptoms onset.164,165,166However, the 5-day timeline associated with the Test-to-Treat program has highlighted several 

challenges. These include patients’ delay of COVID-19 testing and treatment as well as their dismissal of symptoms, patient 

and providers lack of awareness, poor transportation, and long clinic wait times.167,168,169 Moreover, some patients have refused 

these antiviral treatments due to safety concerns and fears of drug interactions.170 Access and distribution disparities were also 

reported for AstraZeneca’s Evusheld monoclonal antibody treatment administered to immune-compromised individuals,171 

while FDA halted use of Sotrovimab due to its ineffectiveness against the Omicron BA.2 variant of the Omicron.172,173,174,175 A 

recent study showed that Ivermectin did not lower COVID-19 hospitalization rates.176,177,178,179 Searches for “bebtelovimab” and 

“new hampshire ivermectin” rose by 1,150% and 2,350%, respectively during this reporting period.k

Although vaccine hesitancy remains a major public health threat, the availability and uptake of monoclonal antibody treatment 

could decrease the risk of severe illness, hospitalizations, and deaths, particularly among the unvaccinated. 

Perceptions, Concerns, and Threats to Vaccine Confidence

 Some have expressed fears about an inability to partake in the Test-to-Treat program if pharmacists aren’t authorized to 

prescribe COVID therapeutics.180 Despite demand, there are reports that many therapeutics remain unused.181,182

 There are concerns that rural and underserved communities are less likely to receive COVID-19 therapeutics or to have access 

to a health care provider.183,184

 Some have voiced concerns that COVID-19 vaccine and treatment disparities may worsen because the federal spending bill 

passed on March 15 did not include funding for future COVID-19 mitigation measures.185,186,187,188

 Some consumers are asking if they can take vitamin C and vitamin D to boost the immune system against COVID-19.l

Content Gaps and Information Voids

 What therapeutics might your health care provider recommend when sick from COVID-19?

 For people at high risk of disease progression, the FDA has issued Emergency Use Authorizations (EUA) for oral antiviral 

medications and monoclonal antibody treatment treatments for COVID-19.189

 Monoclonal antibody treatment should be started as soon as possible after SARS-CoV-2 infection is confirmed by a test and 

within 10 days of symptom onset. Monoclonal antibody treatment might be considered in patients who are not hospitalized 

and have mild to moderate COVID-19 symptoms and certain risk factors for disease progression.190

 How do antivirals work?

 Oral antiviral medications target specific parts of the SARS-CoV-2 virus which helps to prevent these viruses from making 

copies of themselves and spreading through the patient’s body.191

 How do monoclonal antibodies work?

 Monoclonal antibody treatment could help the immune system recognize and respond more effectively to the virus.192

 Can a health care provider combine antiviral medications and monoclonal antibody treatment?

 There are currently no data on the combined use of antiviral agents and anti-SARS-CoV-2 monoclonal antibody treatment 

of non-hospitalized patients with COVID-19. Clinical trials are needed to determine whether this combination therapy has a 

role in the treatment of COVID-19.193

Ways public health and partners can take action to improve vaccine confidence

 Continue to engage health care provider and advocacy groups that support immunocompromised patients to help increase 

overall awareness and utilization of COVID-19 therapeutics.

 Craft and disseminate messages about why people need to be up to date on COVID-19 vaccinations even though therapeutics exist. 

k

Google trends

l

CDC-INFO
Page: 11

COVID-19 State of Vaccine Confidence Insights Report | Report 26 | June 10, 2022

Appendix 1: 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-behavioral 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
Page: 12

COVID-19 State of Vaccine Confidence Insights Report | Report 26 | June 10, 2022

Appendix 2: Interim Clinical Considerations