More than half of likely U.S. voters are concerned the COVID-19 vaccines could have harmful side effects.
A new national phone and online survey by Rasmussen Reports shows 54 percent of likely U.S. voters are concerned about the vaccine’s side effects. Twenty-seven percent said they are very concerned.
Just 44 percent said they are not concerned about vaccine side effects, including 19 percent who said they are not at all concerned.
Still, 65 percent said they are confident in the safety and effectiveness of the vaccine.
When it comes to the federal government having the power to require the vaccine, 57 percent of voters said they oppose such an idea. Thirty-five percent said the government should be able to mandate the vaccine.
Seventy-four percent of voters said they’ve received the vaccine. Eighty-five percent of those unvaccinated said they’re concerned about potential side effects. Of those who have already been vaccinated, 44 percent are concerned about side effects.
Fifty-nine percent of Democrats believe the federal government should be able to make the vaccine mandatory. Just 27 percent of unaffiliated voters and 17 percent of Republicans agree.
Another note — college graduates are significantly more likely to believe the federal government should have the power to require vaccination.
Voters who “strongly approve” of Biden’s job performance are much more likely to also believe the federal government should have the power to require COVID vaccines. Eighty-four percent of those voters said the federal government should have that ability.
