Survey shows most Oklahomans plan to get COVID-19 vaccine

OKLAHOMA CITY — According to a recent statewide survey conducted by Amber Integrated, 78 percent of Oklahomans believe vaccines are safe and effective, 65 percent of Oklahomans plan to get the COVID-19 vaccine, once available.

“We’re pleased to see the results of this survey indicate most Oklahomans are confident in the safety of vaccines — as are we,” said Commissioner of Health Dr. Lance Frye.


The survey was conducted by Amber Integrated (https://amberintegrated.com/ ) from December 4-9 and included a pool of 1,500 adults from cities and towns across Oklahoma.

“The COVID-19 vaccines available to Oklahomans have been carefully vetted by the FDA and have gone through all the typical regulatory processes to ensure they’re just as safe as any other vaccine,” Frye added. “They’re outstandingly effective. We’re very optimistic for how these vaccines will work to protect Oklahomans.”

The 13-point discrepancy between those who generally believe vaccines are safe and effective and those who plan to get the COVID-19 vaccine is largely driven by younger Oklahomans (age 18-49) and women who are seeking more information on the COVID-19 vaccine before taking it.

Seventy-four percent of residents cite the potential side effects as a major reason not to take the vaccine, while 63 percent state wanting more information about how well it works as a major reason not to take it.

Among Oklahomans, the two reasons cited that made respondents more likely to take the vaccine included: Taking the vaccine will protect you and your family’s personal health and safety and that taking the vaccine “will allow us to return to normal life.”

About 51 percent responded that they would take a COVID-19 vaccine within three months of it becoming available to them and approximately 38 percent would do so within the first month.
These survey results have been calculated using the latest American Community Survey by age, gender, party affiliation, race, and level of education.

The survey has a margin of error of 2.53 percent at a 95 percent confidence interval. Respondents were surveyed via both cell phones and landlines and used a combination of live callers and an online panel of adults.

So far, noted side effects correlate with side effects for other commonly received vaccines, such as the annual flu shot. They include pain at the injection site, muscle aches, headache, fatigue, shivering and occasionally fever.

In the majority of cases, these effects are minor and should go away within a day or two.

“There are a lot of reasons why someone might feel hesitant to take the COVID-19 vaccine — but we’ve found most stem, reasonably, from wanting more information before taking it,” said Jackson Lisle with Amber Integrated. 

“A lot of people have indicated they want more detail on potential side effects and vaccine efficacy before they get it, and some want to wait a few months before receiving it,” Lisle continued.

“We’re encouraged by OSDH’s efforts to provide as much information as possible to Oklahomans so they can make an informed decision on taking the vaccine.”

The OSDH website states,” Right now, CDC recommends COVID-19 vaccine be offered to healthcare personnel and residents of long-term care facilities. Long-term care residents and staff will primarily be vaccinated through the federal pharmacy partner program, which will operate concurrently to the state’s efforts. The state is in contact with Walgreens and CVS on their plans.”

Detailed information about the COVID-19 vaccine can always be found through the CDC website or through  OSDH  (https://oklahoma.gov/covid19/vaccine-information.html ).

According to the OSDH Twitter page (https://twitter.com/OKVaccine/status/1344455493029343233), based on data released as of December 30, Oklahoma is ranked 18th in percent of population vaccinated. 
Vaccinations for those in Stage 2, persons age 65 and over, will begin this Thursday (January 7), Oklahoma County officials announced on Monday. 

Access @OKVaccine on Twitter @OKVaccine  or visit oklahoma.gov/covid10/vaccine-information for regular updates on the COVID-19 vaccine in Oklahoma.