CS000000-A | 5/12/22

COVID-19 State of Vaccine 

Confidence Insights Report

Report 25 | May 12, 2022 | Date Range: February 22 – March 14, 2022 

Summary

Major Themes:

 Consumers and news outlets expressed their frustration and lack of trust in CDC.

 Continuing and Evolving Themes: 

 Consumers expressed pandemic fatigue and stated they would no longer practice prevention and mitigation strategies.

 The public continues to have questions and concerns about pediatric COVID-19 vaccines while others eagerly await 

Emergency Use Authorization (EUA) for children under 5 years old.

 Consumers continue to have questions and concerns about the safety of COVID-19 vaccine.

 Consumers continue to discuss their support or opposition to COVID-19 boosters.

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. Partners should provide regular updates on the benefits, safety, side effects 

and effectiveness of COVID-19 vaccines and clearly communicate what is not known. Additionally, partners should share clear, 

complete, and accurate messages about COVID-19 vaccines and take visible actions to build trust in the vaccine, the vaccinator, 

health care, and public health.

For findings and ways to act from our other reports, see previousInsights Reports.

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-s2e4ccd561695450

d80e81dde23ad0867

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).

Contents

2 Aims and Methods

3 Major Themes Affecting Vaccine Confidence

3 Consumers and news outlets expressed their frustration and lack of trust in CDC

5 Continuing and Evolving Themes Affecting Vaccine Confidence

7 Consumers expressed pandemic fatigue and stated they would no longer practice 

prevention and mitigation strategies

8 The public continues to have questions and concerns about pediatric COVID-19 

vaccines while others eagerly await EUA of these vaccines for children under 5 

years old

8 Consumers continue to have questions and concerns related to the safety of 

COVID-19 vaccines

9 Consumers continue to discuss their support or opposition to booster doses

11 Appendix: Inputs and Source
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COVID-19 State of Vaccine Confidence Insights Report | Report 25 | May 12, 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 
Page: 3

COVID-19 State of Vaccine Confidence Insights Report | Report 25 | May 12, 2022

Major Themes Affecting Vaccine Confidence a

a

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

b

Google Trends

c

Tanaq Social Listening Report

d

CDC-INFO

e

CDC’s Communication Surveillance Report

f

Project VCTR

Consumers and news outlets expressed their frustration and lack of trust in CDC 

On February 20, 2022, the New York Times published an article titled “The CDC Isn’t Publishing Large Portions of the COVID-19 

Data It Collects.” Subsequently, other news and editorial outlets published articles on this topic with varying degrees of 

inflammatory language.1,2,3 Google searches related to the article or news story concerning CDC’s data sharing practices 

increased by up to 650% during this reporting period.b Moreover, news outlets released articles discussing the public’s lack of 

trust in public health, science, and CDC.4,5

Additionally, some news outlets and social media users 

discussed the release of a Pfizer document,Cumulative Analysis 

of Post-Authorization Adverse Event Reports of Pf-07302048 

(Bnt162b2) Received Through 28-Feb-2021, that presented 

data on reported adverse events following vaccination.c,6,7,8

However, much like information about the Vaccine Adverse 

Event Reporting System (VAERS), the adverse events in the Pfizer document are an inventory of all reported events and their 

frequency regardless of their link to the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine.9 Some used the release of this information as 

evidence that the public cannot trust CDC and the media.10,11,12

Perceptions, Concerns, and Threats to Vaccine Confidence 

 Almost half of respondents (49%; N=1,068) in a YouGov poll (released March 11, 2022) said their trust in CDC had gone way 

down or slightly down since the start of the pandemic.13,14

 A majority of respondents (56%; N=2,301) in a Partnership for Public 

Service poll (released March 1, 2022) did not trust the federal government 

to do what is right.15,16

 Consumers expressed their beliefs that the unreleased data proves CDC 

lied to the public and cannot be trusted.c,17,18,19,20

 Some consumers believe CDC is not releasing data depicting that 

COVID-19 vaccines are not safe or effective, even though the unreleased 

data are said to be related to COVID-19 hospitalizations, booster dose 

uptake, and wastewater analysis.d,21,22,23,24

 Some online users claimed that Twitter was banning online references to 

vaccine deaths from the VAERS data.25,26,27

 Some social media users believe the recently released Pfizer document 

proves that the vaccines are not safe.c,28,29,30

 News outlets and social media users also discussed how CDC’s COVID-19 guidance was confusing, untrustworthy, or unsafe 

for the general public.e,31,32,33,34 Some social media users claimed CDC was changing its COVID-19 guidance for political 

reasons.c,35,36,37

Misinformation Themes 

 The recently released Pfizer document proves that COVID-19 vaccines are not safe and is evidence of a conspiracy between 

the COVID-19 vaccine manufacturers and the government.f,38,39

 CDC withheld data depicting that COVID-19 vaccines are not safe or effective.40,41

Content Gaps and Information Voids identified/mentioned by consumers and news outlets

 Why has CDC not released all the available data on COVID-19 booster doses, hospitalizations and wastewater analyses?42,43,44
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COVID-19 State of Vaccine Confidence Insights Report | Report 25 | May 12, 2022

 CDC provides extensive publicly available summary reports plus datasets from multiple sources, including vaccine uptake, 

cases, deaths, and wastewater. Descriptions of data sources and FAQs are found at the websites listed - FAQ: COVID-19 Data 

and Surveillance | CDC and CDC COVID Data Tracker

 CDC must balance the use of data provided with how these data may be shared, released and maintained under applicable 

federal laws. CDC collects COVID-19-related data through more than a dozen national surveillance systems in collaboration 

with federal partners, local and state health departments, and academic and private sector partners. About half of health 

departments have the capacity to link their COVID-19 case, death, and vaccine data. However, CDC is unable to do this type 

of linkage with the de-identified data it receives from states. In addition, this voluntary data collection framework indicates 

that states collect data using different methods, which often generate disparate, non-comparable data sets. Using this 

approach to gather data limits CDC’s ability to aggregate and link these data on a national level. For this reason, not all data 

are suitable for immediate release due to incompleteness or potential inaccuracies, lack of generalizability, sample sizes 

that are too small for meaningful interpretation, security risks, and privacy and ethical concerns. CDC endeavors to be a 

responsible steward of data that are shared and to ensure accuracy, completeness, and appropriate representation. 

 The National Wastewater Surveillance System (NWSS) is new (established in September 2020) and states have implemented 

systems at different rates. CDC waited to make data available through COVID Data Tracker until we had reasonable coverage 

in all 10 HHS regions. We reached that point in January 2022, and the COVID Data Tracker wastewater page went live 

February 2, 2022. Wastewater RNA concentrations (the raw data coming into NWSS) are not directly comparable across 

jurisdictions. NWSS produces three metrics to enable comparison -- percent change/trends, detection proportion, and 

relative level. All wastewater data, including the raw concentrations, are available through a public data request process that 

has been in place since early 2021. 

 Has CDC released all the available data on the safety and effectiveness of COVID-19 vaccines?45,46

 CDC collects a significant amount of vaccine-related data. Depending on the source and type of data, sometimes it has 

missing data. Or it may include personally identifiable information, which hinders the interpretability of the data or the 

ability to share it. CDC works to communicate and publish timely and transparent information about the safety of vaccines 

to public health officials, healthcare providers, and the public.47

 Data from the Vaccine Adverse Event Reporting System is publicly available and can be downloaded here: https://vaers.hhs.

gov/data.html 

 Data from the Vaccine Safety Datalink (VSD) network are available by request from the National Center for Health Statistics 

Research Data Center (NCHS RDC). More information on the VSD data sharing program can be found here: https://www.cdc.

gov/vaccinesafety/ensuringsafety/monitoring/vsd/accessing-data.html.

 Are the adverse events reported in the recently released Pfizer document proof that COVID-19 vaccines are not safe?48,49

 No. Multiple analyses from CDC and others have found all approved or authorized COVID-19 vaccines to be safe. Rare 

serious adverse events are identified and publicly reported. You may find more information by going to: Ensuring COVID-19 

Vaccine Safety in the US | CDC

 The Pfizer document is a comprehensive listing of all reported adverse events or health issues described following 

vaccination, regardless of whether the vaccine caused them. Tracking such events is a requirement for pharmaceutical 

companies, Food and Drug Administration (FDA), and CDC to identify possible safety signals, particularly rare events 

that may not have been possible to detect during clinical trials. An adverse event is simply an event that has occurred 

after vaccination — it does not mean the vaccine caused the problem. And many of these events are likely to be purely 

coincidental. Adverse events related to the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine are similar to many routine vaccines. The adverse events 

are mild and short lasting (pain at injection site, fever). Finally, for more severe adverse events, there is a detailed process 

to determine whether these are related to vaccination or not. FDA and CDC use several different sources of dataa to closely 

monitor vaccine safety and identify events that occur more often after vaccination compared to how often they typically 

occur in the general population.50 The Pfizer report did not include any comparison of adverse events in unvaccinated 

people. 

 Why does CDC continue to update their COVID-19 vaccination and mitigation guidance?51,52

 CDC has continued to review isolation and quarantine recommendations for various populations throughout the COVID-19 

pandemic. Recommendations take into account the societal impact (e.g., critical infrastructure and health care worker 

staffing shortages) and the latest science on disease severity and when and for how long a person is most infectious. CDC 

will continue to evaluate these recommendations as more data become available.53
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COVID-19 State of Vaccine Confidence Insights Report | Report 25 | May 12, 2022

Misinformation Themes

 The recently released Pfizer document proves that COVID-19 vaccines are not safe and is evidence of a conspiracy between 

the COVID-19 vaccine manufacturers and the government.g,

41,42,43

 CDC withheld data depicting that COVID-19 vaccines are not safe or effective.44,45,46

Ways to take action:

 Coordinate with federal, state, local agencies, and partners to share clear, complete, and accurate messages about COVID-19 

vaccines and take visible actions such as culturally appropriate messaging/education and community engagement to build 

trust in the vaccine, the vaccinator, and the system. 

 Communicate transparently about the process for authorizing, approving, making recommendations for, monitoring the 

safety of, distributing, allocating, and administering COVID-19 vaccines, including data collection, analysis, and reporting.

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

what is known, what isn’t known, and what is being done to find out what isn’t known.

 Proactively address and help stop the spread and harm of misinformation via social media platforms, partners, and trusted 

messengers.

 Engage communities in a sustainable, equitable, and inclusive way using two-way communication to listen, build trust, and 

increase collaboration.

g

Project VCTR
Page: 6

COVID-19 State of Vaccine Confidence Insights Report | Report 25 | May 12, 2022

Continuing and Evolving Themes Affecting Vaccine Confidence

h HHS Current Events Tracker

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 previousInsights Reports.

Consumers expressed pandemic fatigue and stated they would no longer practice 

prevention and mitigation strategies  

Consumers continue to discuss how they are done or want to stop following COVID-19 prevention and mitigation strategies. 

Many online consumers expressed their elation in everyday occurrences with the hashtags #returntonormal54 and 

#backtonormal.55 Some online discussion verbalized concerns against prematurely lifting precautions49 which could cause 

successive waves of infection.56,57 Despite conflicting viewpoints from some consumers, the majority of online discussions have 

already moved from pandemic to other issues.58,59 This shift might be due to the declining infections with the virus that causes 

COVID-1960 and stalled vaccination rates for the primary series and booster doses.h News and other online outlets continue 

to publish articles discussing how the public is tired of COVID-19 and discussions around it.61,62,63 The most recent update to 

the CDC Community Levels (which determines community risk levels by reviewing several indicators, such as the number of 

new COVID-19 cases in an area, the share of hospital beds in use, and hospital admissions) indicates more than 98% of the US 

population is in a location with low or medium COVID-19 Community Level, indicating to some that COVID-19 is no longer a 

concern.64,65

On March 1, the White House detailed an as-yet unfunded66National Preparedness Plan for COVID-1961 comprising of four key 

aspects: protection against and treatment of infections with available therapies, preparation for new variants, prevention of 

economic and educational shutdowns, and assistance with vaccination efforts outside of the U.S.66,67 Meanwhile, the Federal 

Aviation Administration’s masking requirement, initially set to expire on March 18, has been extended until April 18.68,69

These events, coupled with international conflicts,70 domestic economic stressors,71 and political messaging,72 may have led to 

consumers expressing varying sentiments ranging from a desire to be done with prevention-related activities73,74 to a belief that 

the COVID-19 pandemic is over.75,76 Some sources have described this as “pandemic fatigue.” 77,74

Perceptions, Concerns, & Threats to Vaccine Confidence

 Some consumers believe the United States may be approaching, or 

is already in, an endemic stage.78,76

 Some understand the word ‘endemic’ to mean that infection with 

the virus that causes COVID-19 is not concerning79 or that serious 

COVID-19 outcomes are unpreventable.

 Online users questioned whether testing and other pandemicrelated services would be available in the absence of the political 

will to fund these efforts.80

Misinformation Themes

 President Biden declared the pandemic is over.81

 Guidance from governmental health authorities’ “flip-flops” 82 or may not “follow the science.” 83

 Stalled vaccination uptake rates indicate the pandemic is over.84,85

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

push them for political gain.86,87,88

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?89

 COVID-19 vaccines are effective at protecting you from severe outcomes and death from the virus that causes COVID-19, 

even if you have had COVID-19 in the past. Vaccination is an important tool to help us get back to normal.90

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

in indoor public places?91,92 
Page: 7

COVID-19 State of Vaccine Confidence Insights Report | Report 25 | May 12, 2022

 When making decisions about community-level and individual-level prevention strategies, health officials, stakeholders and 

individuals should consider CDC’s COVID-19 Community Levels approaches within their local context.93 

 Layered prevention strategies, such as 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 individuals and 

communities.94

 COVID-19 Community Levels do not apply in healthcare settings like hospitals and nursing homes. Instead, healthcare 

settings should continue to follow CDC’s infection prevention and control recommendations for healthcare workers.95

 Should masks and vaccines still be utilized as governments update their COVID-19 community mitigation recommendations 

for travel?96,97

 Masks and vaccines continue to be safe and effective ways to protect against infection from the virus that causes COVID-19. 

 Everyone is recommended to stay up to date with their COVID-19 vaccines. 

 Mask use recommendations are available at: Use and Care of Mask | CDC 

 Guidance from governmental health authorities’ “flip-flops” 85 or may not “follow the science.”86

 Stalled vaccination uptake rates indicate the pandemic is over.87,88

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

push them for political gain.89,90,91

Ways to Take Action

 Develop and amplify messages explaining why vaccines and staying “up to date” on COVID-19 vaccinations are still crucial to 

preventing severe illness from COVID-19, including illness caused by emerging variants. 

 Disseminate messages about community-level risk (CDC Community Levels) and the importance of the corresponding 

COVID-19 mitigation measures, such as masking, screening, testing and quarantining.

 Address new misinformation themes regarding vaccines to increase or maintain vaccine confidence in COVID-19 vaccine and 

booster doses.
Page: 8

COVID-19 State of Vaccine Confidence Insights Report | Report 25 | May 12, 2022

The public continues to have questions and concerns about pediatric COVID-19 

vaccines while others eagerly await EUA of these vaccines for children under 5 

years old  

Three months after Pfizer initially submitted data to the FDA to obtain EUA 

for their COVID-19 vaccine in children ages under 5 years, parents eagerly 

await updates on the approval process while pushing to allow off-label 

use.98,99,100 Also, worsening some parents’ frustrations and adding to feelings 

of abandonment and governmental indifference, many cities and counties 

have lifted mask requirements.i,j,101, 102,103,104 However, many, including public 

health officials and political figures,105,106,107 remain opposed to vaccination of 

not only this age group, but all children.108,109,110 Adding to this, some studies 

have shown decreased effectiveness or decreased antibody response in 

younger children, as compared to adults, further adversely affecting vaccine 

confidence for this age group.111,112,113 

In addition, a recent online poll114 showed that 57% of parents with 

children ages under 5 years reported not having enough information 

about COVID-19 vaccine safety and effectiveness. Moreover, 39% of this cohort said federal health agencies’ information about 

COVID-19 vaccines was confusing.115 Searches for “when will covid vaccine be available for kids under 5” increased by 300% 

during this reporting period.k

Perceptions, Concerns, and Threats to Vaccine Confidence 

 Many parents feel they have done everything in their power to protect their children from COVID-19 and are growing 

impatient as a vaccine remains elusive.116,117,118

 The government is doing nothing to protect children ages under 5 years from COVID-19.119,120,121

 Parents are hesitant to vaccinate children after a study showed the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine offered little protection 

against the Omicron variant and had decreased vaccine effectiveness (VE) against serious illness.122,123,124 The MMWR study

showed that, among children aged 5 through 11 years, the COVID-19 vaccine effectiveness14 to 67 days after receipt off the 

second dose was 46%.

 Consumers are worried about the unknown long-term side effects from COVID-19 vaccines.125,126,127

Misinformation Themes 

 The COVID-19 vaccine is not effective in children.128,129,130

 COVID-19 vaccines are ineffective and are not required for healthy children, as touted by some public health and government 

officials.131,132

 Kids are not at risk of infection with the virus that causes COVID-19.133,134

 The COVID-19 vaccine is an experiment and simply a ploy by Big Pharma to make money.135,136,137

Content Gaps and Information Voids 

 Why should children and teens get vaccinated against COVID-19?h

 Children are as likely to be infected with the virus that causes COVID-19 as adults and can get very sick, have short- and 

long-term health complications, and spread the virus to others, including at home and school. Children infected with 

the virus that causes COVID-19 can also develop serious complications like multisystem inflammatory syndrome (MISC)—a condition where different body parts become inflamed, including the heart, lungs, kidneys, brain, skin, eyes, or 

gastrointestinal organs. Children with underlying medical conditions are more at risk for severe illness from COVID-19 

compared to children without underlying medical conditions.138

 Are children eligible for a booster?l

 Everyone ages 12 years and older should get a COVID-19 booster when they are eligible. Currently, a booster is not 

recommended for children younger than 12 years.139

i

CDC-INFO

j

CDC’s Communication Surveillance Report

k

Google trends

l

CDC-INFO
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COVID-19 State of Vaccine Confidence Insights Report | Report 25 | May 12, 2022

 Is severe illness or death likely after COVID-19 vaccination in children?k

 Serious adverse events after COVID-19 vaccination are rare but may occur. CDC provides timely updates on serious adverse 

events. Myocarditis and pericarditis after COVID-19 vaccination are rare in children. Reports of death after COVID-19 

vaccination are rare.140

 The COVID-19 vaccine is not effective in children.125,126,127

 COVID-19 vaccines are ineffective and are not required for healthy children, as touted by some public health and government 

officials.128,129,130,131

Kids are not at risk of infection with the virus that causes COVID-19.132,133

Ways to Take Action 

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

children at eligible ages. 

 Disseminate information containing accurate infection and hospitalization data in children. 

 Provide up-to-date messages about the timeline for vaccination in children ages under 5 years.
Page: 10

COVID-19 State of Vaccine Confidence Insights Report | Report 25 | May 12, 2022

Consumers continue to have questions and concerns related to the safety of 

COVID-19 vaccines

Vaccine mis/disinformation141,142,143 as well as reported cases of vaccine adverse events and side effects such as 

myocarditis,144,142,143 encephalomyelitis,m,144 chronic fatigue syndrome,n worsening migraine episodes,145,146 sudden hearing 

loss,147 menstrual and fertility disorders,148 blood clots,149,150 cancers,151 and deaths152,153,154 following COVID-19 vaccinations have 

continued to contribute to concerns about vaccine safety. Studies which support and reinforce COVID-19 vaccine safety were 

published and circulated during this reporting period, including a recent CDC study that showed myocarditis was less frequently 

reported as an adverse event following vaccinations with boosters as opposed to vaccinations with second primary doses 

among adolescents.157 Likewise, a 6-month VAERS study conducted among people who received Pfizer-BioNTech or Moderna 

COVID-19 vaccines in the United States showed that most adverse events were mild and transient.158,159 Also, COVID-19 mRNA 

vaccines were found to be safe in pregnancy162 and to have the potential of conferring passive immunity to infants through 

transplacental transfer of antibodies.163

On WHO social listening tool, ‘Pfizer’ was the top hashtag, top rising hashtag, top keyword and top rising keyword.o Moreover, 

on CDC-INFO, some consumers made requests for studies focused on long-term effects of COVID-19 vaccines to be conducted.p

Perceptions, Concerns, and Threats to Vaccine Confidence

 Online users misrepresented the 9-page Pfizer report on adverse reactions currently circulating on social media to falsely 

claim that vaccines are dangerous.164,165,166,167,168

 Some consumers and news outlets expressed concerns about the impacts of COVID-19 vaccines causing adverse events, side 

effects, comorbidities and sudden deaths.169,170,171

 Several online consumers and websites expressed opposition to vaccines following severe allergic reactions and deaths 

among specific individuals (21 year old Texan,172 NYC firefighters,173,174 and a 5 year old from Illinois175) who received COVID-19 

vaccines.

 Although debunked,178, false online claims stated that a recent study proves mRNA vaccines could convert mRNA into 

DNA.q,

176,179,180

Content Gaps and Information Voids

 What are the side effects of COVID-19 vaccines?196,197

 Common side effects include pain, redness, swelling, tiredness, headache, muscle pain, and fever.198,199 Severe allergic 

reactions and adverse effects that could cause a long-term health problem are extremely rare.200,201

 What is the risk of myocarditis after mRNA COVID-19 vaccination?202

 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.203

 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.204

 Infection with the virus that causes COVID-19 increases the likelihood of myocarditis much more so than vaccination.205,206

 Do COVID-19 vaccines weaken the immune system?207

 No studies have shown receiving COVID-19 vaccines weaken the immune system while numerous studies have 

documented the effectiveness of COVID-19 vaccines in preventing severe illness and death from COVID-19. For more 

information see: COVID-19 Vaccine Effectiveness and Safety | MMWR (cdc.gov). 

 What are the effects of COVID-19 vaccines on fertility?208

 Several studies have found no evidence that COVID-19 vaccines affect fertility in women or men.209,210,211

mWHO EARS

n

Google Trends

o

WHO EARS

p

CDC-INFO

q

Project VCTR
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COVID-19 State of Vaccine Confidence Insights Report | Report 25 | May 12, 2022

 What are the effects of COVID-19 vaccines on pregnancy?212

 There is 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.213 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.214

 Do the mRNA COVID-19 vaccines alter DNA inside human cells?215,216

 There is no evidence that the mRNA COVID-19 vaccines alter a person’s DNA.217COVID-19 vaccines do not change or interact 

with your DNA. The genetic material delivered by mRNA vaccines does not enter the nucleus of your cells, which contains 

DNA.191.218,219

 Does adverse event data in the Pfizer report indicate that vaccines are dangerous?220

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

the vaccine caused them.221

Misinformation Themes

 COVID-19 vaccines cause a significant number of deaths.222

 For people in their twenties, the risk of death is seven times higher after vaccination than from infection with the virus that 

causes COVID-19.223,224

 COVID-19 vaccine-related myocarditis and other COVID-19-related complications caused the deaths of two teenage boys225

and nine US soldiers.226,227

 COVID-19 vaccines contain “strange life forms”228 and can be transcribed into human DNA.229

 COVID-19 vaccines are not vaccines but experimental gene therapy.230,231

 COVID-19 vaccines cause recipients to develop vaccine-induced acquired immune deficiency syndrome (VAIDS).232

 Conservative news outlet claimed that athletes are either injured,233 dead,234 or require an EKG (heart recording)235 following 

COVID-19 vaccination. 

 The World Council of Health released a guide for followers to “spike protein detox” after vaccination.236

Ways to Take Action 

 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, what isn’t known, and what is being done to find out what isn’t known.
Page: 12

COVID-19 State of Vaccine Confidence Insights Report | Report 25 | May 12, 2022

Consumers continue to discuss their support or opposition to booster doses 

Consumers continue to question possible authorization and 

eligibility for a fourth dose (i.e., a second booster). Searches for “cdc 

booster data” rose by 400% during this reporting period.r On March 

11, 2022, a Pfizer-BioNTech representative stated that an additional 

booster would be necessary due to waning immunity while 

supporting data would be submitted to the FDA for approval.237,238

Moderna also believes an additional booster will be necessary.239

However, only 38% of eligible adults report being likely to receive 

a booster.s Currently, everyone 12 years and older should get a booster when eligible. Those who are 12 years and older and are 

moderately/severely immunocompromised may receive a second booster. Everyone 50 years and older may also get a second 

booster.240 Although data from the CDC COVID Data Tracker show 48.2% of fully vaccinated US adults have received a booster dose, 

adults who have not received a booster dose yet are less likely to receive future booster doses than adults who already have.s 

Perceptions, Concerns, and Threats to Vaccine Confidence  Some consumers support an additional booster of COVID-19 vaccine, comparing it to a yearly flu shot.241,242,243 Others are 

uninterested in additional doses, claiming two or three doses total is their limit.244,245,246

 Social media users are worried the booster is causing heart and breathing problems.247,248,249

 Conflicting messages from global public health authorities, increased profits for vaccine companies,250,251 and unclear data on 

benefit of vaccination may negatively impact vaccine uptake.252,253,254 

Content Gaps and Information Voids

 What are the side effects of COVID-19 boosters?t

 So far, reactions reported after getting a booster are similar to those after the two-dose or single-dose primary shots. Fever, 

headache, fatigue, and pain at the injection site were the most commonly reported side effects. Overall, most side effects were 

mild to moderate. However, as with the two-dose or single-dose primary shots, serious side effects are rare but can occur.255

 Are people who received COVID-19 vaccines abroad eligible for Moderna or Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine boosters in the United States?t 

 Yes. CDC has detailed guidance for COVID-19 vaccination for people who received 1 or more doses outside of the United States. 

Refer to Clinical Guidance for COVID-19 Vaccination | CDC.

256

 Should immunocompromised people receive a fourth dose of the COVID-19 vaccine?u

 People ages 12 years and older who are moderately/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 an Pfizer-BioNTech or Moderna COVID-19 

vaccine, plus 1 booster of an Pfizer-BioNTech or Moderna COVID-19 vaccine (4th dose).257

 Do people need a booster dose to be considered fully vaccinated?u 

 Fully vaccinated means a person has received all recommended doses in their primary series of COVID-19 vaccines. Up to 

date means a person has received all recommended doses in their primary series of COVID-19 vaccines and a booster when 

eligible.258

Misinformation Themes 

 Some consumers believe the Pfizer CEO was lying about the need for a fourth dose and it is only a plan for Pfizer to make more 

money.259,260,261

 The first, second, and third doses did not work at preventing the spread of the virus that causes COVID-19, so neither will a fourth 

dose.262,263,264

 The CDC failed to release timely data, making some believe the government is hiding data showing most adults did not require an 

additional COVID-19 booster.265,266,267 

Ways to Take Action 

 Provide information to the public when data is available about the safety and benefits of an additional booster. 

 Explain side effects associated with vaccination and how they compare to long-term effects and adverse events of COVID-19. 

 Disseminate messages showing who is eligible and who should get an additional booster dose. 

r

Google trends

s

HHS Current Events Tracker

t

CDC-INFO

u

CDC-INFO
Page: 13

COVID-19 State of Vaccine Confidence Insights Report | Report 25 | May 12, 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 vaccines