These numbers are incredibly low given the huge number of people getting vaccinated.
But people still worry about side effects, our latest Verywell Health Vaccine Sentiment Tracker survey shows.
However, these worries are now outweighed by the fear of contracting COVID-19.
Theresa Chiechi / Verywell
We collected the latest data for the week ending on February 26.
Hopefully, this trend will continue as more folks get vaccinated.
Clearly, people are afraid of the unknown.
What are the side effects of the COVID-19 vaccine?
Public health officials say to expect largely mild side effects.
A very rare symptom may include a temporary weakness or paralysis of the facial muscles called Bells palsy.
Though side effect concerns havent budged much, confidence that the vaccines will be effective has.
In light of these conflicting sentiments, we decided to ask a new question.
What worries people more: vaccine side effects or getting COVID-19?
Side effects can also beworse after the second dose.
For some people, bad symptoms could mean missing work and a paycheck.
But there’s reason to think they’ll change their minds over time.
Rejectors seem more likely to be flexible in their vaccine decision than acceptors.
Rejectors are also twice as likely to say theyre 50/50 on changing their minds compared to acceptors.
So there is room to engage and inform at least some of these people.
The survey is fielded online, every other week beginning December 16, 2020, to 1,000 American adults.
The total sample matches U.S. Census estimates for age, gender, race/ethnicity, and region.
For the most recent updates on COVID-19, visit ourcoronavirus news page.
Preprint posted online March 5, 2021. doi:10.1101/2021.03.03.21252086
