This is How Many People Are Refusing the COVID-19 Vaccine in Washington

Recent surges of the delta variant in much of the United States are attributable in part to vaccine hesitancy.

According to a recent survey conducted by the U.S. Census Bureau, 24,260,000 Americans — or 9.7% of the 18 and older population — say they will either probably or definitely not get the vaccination.

Many Americans who have yet to be vaccinated cite one of three reasons: either they are concerned about possible side effects, or they want to wait to see if it is safe, or it is difficult for them to obtain a vaccination. Others cite different reasons.

Nationwide, 17,040,000 people, 6.8% of the adult population, do not trust the COVID-19 vaccines, and another 7,350,000, or 2.9%, do not think COVID-19 is a big threat. Additionally, 14,070,000 American adults, or 5.6% of the 18 and older population, have not been vaccinated because they do not trust the government.

In Washington, an estimated 481,100 adults, or 8.2%, say they will likely refuse the vaccine. Of all adults in the state, 5.9% will refuse because they do not trust the COVID-19 vaccine specifically, 2.8% because they do not think COVID-19 is a big threat, and 4.6% because they distrust the government.

Despite pockets of resistance, Washington is doing a better job at vaccinating its population quickly than most states. So far, 61.5% of Washington’s population are fully vaccinated, compared to 56.4% of all Americans.

Meanwhile, the virus continues to spread. Since the beginning of the pandemic, there have been 652,011 confirmed cases of the virus in the Washington, and a total of 7,591 residents have died as a result.

All survey data used in this story was published by the Census on Sept. 22, 2021. All data related to COVID-19 infections, fatalities, and vaccinations is current as of Sept. 30, 2021.

These are all the counties in Washington where COVID-19 is slowing (and where it’s still getting worse).