Nov. 20, 2023 -- About three-quarters of people don’t have great worries about getting COVID-19 over the winter holidays, according to a survey of about 1,400 adults conducted by KFF.
The survey showed that 74% of respondents are “not too worried” or “not at all worried” about getting COVID-19 over the holidays. About 69% are “not too worried” or “not at all worried” about spreading the virus to other people.
About 54% answered that way when asked how they felt about an increase in cases and hospitalizations this winter. Over the past three years, cases and hospitalizations have gone up over the holidays because of family gatherings and cold weather forcing people inside.
Other key takeaways from the survey, which was conducted between Oct. 31 and Nov. 7:
- 20% of respondents have already gotten the new COVID vaccine authorized in September. About 13% will definitely get it, 15% probably will get it, 17% probably will not get it, and 34% definitely will not get it.
- 34% of people over 65 years old have gotten the new vaccine, along with 18% of those 50-64, 15% of those 30-49, and 18% of those 18-29.
- 26% of Black adults have gotten the new vaccine, along with 20% of Hispanic adults, and 19% of White adults.
- About half of respondents said they would take some precautions over the holidays, such as avoiding large crowds and wearing a mask in large gatherings.
The CDC says COVID indicators are trending upward a little.
In a report released Friday, the CDC said more than 16,000 people were hospitalized for COVID-related reasons last week, up 8.6% compared to the previous week. COVID-related deaths went up 9.1% compared to the previous week, with COVID responsible for 2.4% of all deaths.