One-year into the COVID-19 pandemic and even with the light of the vaccine on the horizon, a majority of Americans are still fearful, according to a new healthinsurance.com national survey of 1,000 U.S. adults.
62% of those surveyed say they are still afraid of getting COVID-19. In fact, 25% say they would unfriend someone if they exposed them to COVID-19. 7 in 10 say they have or know someone who has tested positive for COVID-19.
68% say they will get the COVID-19 vaccine as soon as they are eligible. A surprising finding, even once vaccinated, 62% have apprehensions about life "returning to normal".
Healthinsurance.com began conducting monthly consumer pulse surveys in March of 2020. For this month's survey, we asked five of the original questions to see if any perceptions changed.
Cost of care was a concern then and is still a concern now. 41% would think twice about seeking medical care for COVID-19 due to cost; that's up 5% from March 2020.
74% say pandemic life has increased their use of technology, and telemedicine falls into this category. 77% say they are familiar with telemedicine; a 26% increase from March 2020.
47% report using telemedicine during the COVID-19 pandemic; a whopping 422% increase since March 2020. This could explain why there is a 14% increase in confidence of the technology. 40% feel that telemedicine visits are as good as "in-person" doctor office visits.
14% of those surveyed have already been vaccinated. 21% have or know someone who has received the COVID-19 vaccine and still got COVID-19. However, that's still not deterring the more than two-thirds who plan on getting the COVID-19 vaccine.
Some are even willing to go to great lengths to do so. 39% say they will line jump to get the COVID-19 vaccine sooner if the opportunity presents itself to do so.
36% would take whichever vaccine was available. If given a choice, 28% would prefer the Johnson & Johnson 1 dose vaccine. 54% say they will still get tested for COVID-19 once vaccinated.
Six in ten say they have apprehensions about life "returning to normal". 41% say they still won't feel comfortable indoors without a mask even if everyone is vaccinated.
For some it's bitter sweet; 39% say there are things about "pandemic life" that they will miss.
But the number one thing everyone is most looking forward to doing - 29% say hanging out with friends and family; followed by 22% who say they are most looking forward to not having to wear a mask. ■