The poll by The Associated Press-NORC Center for Public Affairs Research found that majority of Americans want mandatory vaccinations for people who are going to movies, concerts, and other crowded events, as well as those who travel by plane, and those working in hospitals, restaurants and stores.
According to the poll, 41% of respondents are very or extremely worried about their family or themselves getting infected by the virus. This is an increase of 21% from June and about the same level as January during the country's most recent surge. In January, 43% were very or extremely worried.
David Bowers, a 42 year-old business analyst from Phoenix's suburb of Peoria, said, "I wouldn’t have said it a few years ago. But I don't believe America can take care of itself."
Bowers, a Democrat and his wife, a teacher in public schools, were vaccinated before their children. They are now worried about their daughters, aged 7 and 9, who attend school in a state where Doug Ducey, the Republican governor of the state, has signed a law that will prevent school districts from mandating vaccines or masks.
COVID-19 fatigue was temporarily relieved by a family vacation to New York. Bowers stated that COVID was "pretty much out of my mind." "Now it feels as if we're going backward."
Nearly 6 out 10 Americans support requiring COVID-19 vaccinations to all passengers who travel by plane or to attend public events. About 25% of Americans support such measures.
Approximately 6 out 10 people support mandatory vaccinations for health care workers in hospitals or other healthcare facilities. This includes government employees and military personnel, as well as workers who interact with the public such restaurants and stores. Although support for vaccinations required to be allowed to go to a restaurant or bar is somewhat lower, 51% to 28% more people are supportive.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, nearly 200 million Americans had received at least one dose of vaccines as of Thursday. That's just more than 60% of the population. Only half of the population had been fully vaccinated.
As of last week, more than 75,000 coronavirus cases were reported in U.S. hospitals. This is a significant increase over the previous weeks but still far below the winter surge records. Florida, Arkansas, Oregon, Hawaii, Louisiana and Mississippi have set records for COVID-19 hospitalizations in recent weeks, and the surge in the delta variant, combined with low vaccination rates, has produced a scramble to find beds for patients.
The poll shows that Americans are not taking extra precautions in spite of increasing numbers and increased concern about the virus. However, at least half of those surveyed said they have continued to wear masks around others, avoid large groups, and avoid unnecessary travel.
Confidence in vaccines to withstand virus variants has not waned, either, as U.S. health officials this week announced plans to dispense booster shots to all Americans to shore up their protection. The first doses could be given next month.
After being severely injured in a car accident, Carla Jones, 37 years old, is now a paraplegic. She uses a wheelchair. Her doctor has told her she can't get the vaccine due to her health. She is anxious when she visits the doctor, or when her grandchildren are visiting.
Jones stated, "I see someone beside me at the doctor’s without a face mask. It makes my heart beat faster."
Jones, a Democrat supports mandatory vaccinations and mandates for masks. And not just for her. She said, "For the benefit of all." "I don’t have the shot but I wouldn’t mind passing it along to anyone."
According to the poll, 55% of Americans support wearing masks when they are outside their homes. 62% favor mask mandates for public-facing workers, such as those working in restaurants or stores. For public-facing workers, 85% of Democrats support mask mandates. 39% of Republicans oppose it.
Robbie Allen, a retired man from Clifton in Texas, is fully immunized and will wear a mask if required by shops or other places. The self-described Republican independent, Robbie Allen, insists that it is a personal decision and that mandates take the joy out of living.
Allen said that although the COVID will not disappear quickly, he doesn't believe people should live in fear. He motorcycled with his girlfriend to this month’s Sturgis Motorcycle Rally which attracted thousands of people to the South Dakota city. "People will die but if we all stay together, it's not too hard to live a miserable life."
The partisan gap is also large when it comes to vaccination requirements. Bowers, an Arizona resident, has already taken the time to drop his daughter off at school after she had a high fever. They searched for a COVID-19 test site with a drive-thru that was not crowded for hours last week. She was negative. However, her worries remain.
Bowers stated, "My belief is that people who don’t want mandates” are those who should be regulated. "The country has a small majority that makes the right decisions. We'd be in trouble if it weren't for the country's slim majority.
