The Foundation for a Healthy Kentucky has been tracking Kentuckians’ attitudes toward the pandemic and vaccines since February of 2021. Since then, the group has conducted four polls, and the trends are clear. They show COVID becoming less of a factor in personal decisions — with close to 8 in 10 Kentuckians saying it’s not likely to keep them from gathering during the holidays.
"Kentuckians, I think, are, as a general matter, determined that this pandemic is over. They're going to behave like it for the most part during the holidays. Actually I think, given a lot of the protections, that's appropriate now for them to do it, but we want to put a fine point on it. And that fine point is it really makes a great deal of difference if you get vaccinated and if you do the other things that can protect you."Ben Chandler, president of Foundation for a Healthy Kentucky
The latest survey did show nearly three-quarters of Kentuckians were receptive to the idea of getting annual COVID boosters — similar to a flu shot. Those most resistant to the keeping up with an annual booster were those suburban areas between 30 and 45.
Another trend: Those who didn’t get vaccinated have become more entrenched, with the number of unvaccinated Kentuckians responding that they will “definitely not get the vaccine” increasing. Similarly, the percentage of respondents who said they were taking a wait-and-see approach dropped.
The latest poll was conducted between October 29th and December 4th.
