What actually changes hearts (and/or minds) on vaccination

What actually changes hearts (and/or minds) on vaccinationSometimes when it feels like nothing is working, it's because everything is.

James HamblinSep 30

This new Kaiser Family Foundation survey is interesting. I thought it might be useful to share since I know a lot of you still have family or friends or neighbors who won't get vaccinated, and it can feel like there's no point in trying to help change their mind.

This chart breaks down the reasons given by people who chose to get vaccinated only after June 1. So, people who didn't do it immediately, but who ultimately decided to do their part.

My takeaway is mostly from the second column: None of these approaches work very well in isolation. Hesitant people don't get vaccinated because of one "main" reason, so much as because of a gradual accretion of reasons. They add up to eventually create the necessary urgency and eventually tip us toward responsible action.

That's how we are with most big decisions in life. The idea of an "ah ha" moment or a single conversation that made you decide to marry someone or move to Alaska or go to medical school ... those stories are compelling, but usually our revelations are not so dramatic. This one is no different.

Point being, small things matter, even if you don't see the impact right away. If you've had conversations with friends or family—or even just shared an article or study, or sent simple notes to people you know saying you care about them and hope they'll reconsider—and yet you don't feel it helped, you're not alone. And ultimately it still may help. You just might not know what part you played.

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Comments

45 Comments

Tammy Rutz
1) No one has answered three big question… “What is in the vaccine?”
2) Why when you send the vaccine to places to administer is it NOT accompanied by documentation?…
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- 8w
Cory Will
wrong again. i wont get it because i dont need it. no survey no celebrity no amount of propaganda.. and damn sire no employer will make me get it.
3
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John Rheuark Clinton
I find two things here notable:
1) that you seem to think those who were "delayed vaxers" will be in any way similar to those who remain unvaxed (conflation error), and
2) that someone deciding to get a specific kind of medical care is "doing their p…
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- 8w
Stacy Shamy
this article is trash.
1
- 8w
Luna Tuna
Not a consistent, honest fact written about these vaccines. no research studies on pregnancy and breastfeeding. Children are doing well with herd immunity, however they push this vax. in our facility the majority of really sick patients were fully vacc…
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1
- 8w
2 Replies
Deborah Kuzyk
I have no intention of getting the jab. i have no intention of being a Guinea pig for this experiment. God has blessed me with an excellent immune system, I can't remember the last time I was ill. My daughter and granddaughter both work at a healthc…
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1
- 8w
3 Replies
Catherine Ortiz
I'm getting so tired of all this BS about getting a vaccine for COVID. I think it should be up to individuals ( religious beliefs / health) if they want to get the shot. But if you chose not to get it, please continue to wear face coverings.
And conti…
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- 8w
Sherri Monson
Well, I figure if it's not necessary for Congress and their staff or welfare recipients to be vaccinated, what's all the pressure and hoopla for the rest of the nation? There's 59 million Americans on welfare who are exempt. Don't you think this is just a bit suspicious?
- 8w
Faye Ellison Cook
Next is the Kool aid.ehat flavor do you like
- 8w
Chris Rash
A vital component of being an American is freedom and medical freedom is vital component too my pursuit of happiness.
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