COVID-19 Vaccination Coverage and Intent Among Adults Aged 18-39 Years - United States, March-May 2021

Abstract

Since April 19, 2021, all persons aged ≥16 years in the United States have been eligible to receive a COVID-19 vaccine. As of May 30, 2021, approximately one half of U.S. adults were fully vaccinated, with the lowest coverage and lowest reported intent to get vaccinated among young adults aged 18-39 years (1-4). To examine attitudes toward COVID-19 vaccination and vaccination intent among adults in this age group, CDC conducted nationally representative household panel surveys during March-May 2021. Among respondents aged 18-39 years, 34.0% reported having received a COVID-19 vaccine. A total of 51.8% were already vaccinated or definitely planned to get vaccinated, 23.2% reported that they probably were going to get vaccinated or were unsure about getting vaccinated, and 24.9% reported that they probably or definitely would not get vaccinated. Adults aged 18-24 years were least likely to report having received a COVID-19 vaccine and were most likely to report being unsure about getting vaccinated or that they were probably going to get vaccinated. Adults aged 18-39 years with lower incomes, with lower educational attainment, without health insurance, who were non-Hispanic Black, and who lived outside of metropolitan areas had the lowest reported vaccination coverage and intent to get vaccinated. Concerns about vaccine safety and effectiveness were the primary reported reasons for not getting vaccinated. Vaccination intent and acceptance among adults aged 18-39 years might be increased by improving confidence in vaccine safety and efficacy while emphasizing that vaccines are critical to prevent the spread of COVID-19 to friends and family and for resuming social activities (5).

FIGURE

Motivators for COVID-19 vaccination among adults aged 18–39 years, by intent status — United States, March–May 2021 * Respondents who reported that they had received a COVID-19 vaccine or definitely planned to get vaccinated were asked what made them definitely plan to get vaccinated; all other respondents were asked what would make them more likely to get a COVID-19 vaccine. Weighted percentages represent respondents who chose the motivator in answer to the question, “Which of the following made you definitely plan/would make you more likely to get a COVID-19 vaccine?” The response “more information showing vaccines are safe” was not provided as an option for respondents who reported being vaccinated or who definitely planned to get vaccinated.