LPHI Releases Second Statewide COVID-19 Survey Data

The Louisiana Public Health Institute (LPHI) released findings today from the second statewide COVID-19 survey that was conducted in February 2021. The survey was commissioned by the Louisiana COVID-19 Health Equity Task Force and builds upon data collected in LPHI’s original COVID-19 survey that was conducted in June 2020. The main focus of the 2021 survey was vaccine willingness. Both survey reports and additional information are available on LPHI’s website here.

The survey broke down vaccine willingness into three categories: willing, hesitant, and unwilling. According to the 2021 survey data, 50 percent of Louisianans are willing to get the vaccine. Thirty-five percent of survey respondents indicated that they are hesitant to receive the vaccine and 15 percent say they are unwilling to get the vaccine.

Vaccine hesitancy is highest among white women and Black men, while unwillingness is highest among Black women. When looking at age, hesitancy is highest in men and women between the ages of 18 and 29. One in three respondents who identify as women and are of reproductive age say they are unwilling to get the vaccine. Location also plays a role, with Louisianans in urban areas indicating that they are more willing to get a vaccine than residents in rural areas.

“This data helps us better understand vaccine willingness in Louisiana based on a variety of factors and what information is needed to help Louisianans make an informed decision about getting the vaccine,” said Shelina Davis, CEO of LPHI. “We appreciate the support from the Louisiana COVID-19 Health Equity Task Force and hope that information from the survey will help organizations around the state with their COVID-19 outreach and vaccination efforts.”

The biggest motivator cited for getting the vaccine was “Protecting my family.” The biggest factors for hesitancy and unwillingness to get the COVID-19 vaccine are concerns about side effects, safety, and efficacy. When respondents were asked “What information about the Coronavirus vaccine would like you like more of,” the COVID-19 vaccine safety, efficacy, and side effects were the top choices.

When looking at sources of information about the COVID-19 vaccine, respondents indicated that doctors, healthcare providers, and friends and family were the most trusted sources. The least trusted sources are public figures, including athletes, musicians, and business owners. The top forms of media from which people get information about COVID-19 differed based on age. TV was the top source for individuals overall. Social media, the internet, and friends and family were also top sources for those between 18 and 44. Social media was also a top choice for Black residents and those who indicated they are unwilling to get the vaccine.