A survey looked at COVID-19 vaccination coverage and intent among U.S. adults aged 18 to 39 years during March through May of 2021. The researchers wanted to understand how many people in this age group were getting vaccinated and what factors were linked to lower vaccination rates.
The main finding was that 34% of the surveyed adults reported having received a COVID-19 vaccine. The survey also found that vaccination coverage and intent to get vaccinated were lower among certain groups. These groups included adults aged 18-24, non-Hispanic Black adults, and people with less education, no health insurance, or lower household incomes. Concerns about vaccine safety and effectiveness were commonly cited as barriers.
It is important to be careful with these results. This was an observational survey, which means it can show patterns but cannot prove what caused them. The data is self-reported and only reflects a specific three-month period in 2021. Readers should see this as a snapshot of vaccination attitudes from that time, not as proof of why vaccination rates differed. The results highlight where focused outreach and information efforts might have been needed.