According to a January U.S. Census Bureau poll, on average, Michiganders say they are less likely to take the COVID-19 vaccine than residents of other states.
“An estimated 24% of Michigan adults age 18 and older say they are unlikely to get fully vaccinated against COVID-19, according to a new U.S. Census survey,” Michigan Live reported. “That includes 14% who say they ‘probably’ won’t get the vaccine; 9% who say they ‘definitely’ will not, and 1% who have received one dose but say they are not planning to get the second dose.”
The 24 percent figure is higher than the national average among states – 22 percent – in terms of residents who are skeptical of receiving the vaccine.
“Vaccine hesitancy is more common among women, people under age 55, Black residents and those without a four-year college degree, the survey results show,” Michigan Live said.
Michigan residents have faced some of the strictest lockdown measures in the nation during the pandemic.
Only last week, after a major lawsuit was filed against Gov. Gretchen Whitmer (D), did the state allow high school contact sports to resume. The decision to file suit was made after thousands rallied at the Michigan Capitol, asking Whitmer to lift the ban on contact sports, to no avail.
Whitmer is known for her heavy-handedness when it comes to COVID-19 restrictions.
Along with barring many businesses from operating, social distancing orders, and other typical COVID-19 restrictions that were seen in most states, Whitmer briefly mandated that residents could not have private gatherings in their own homes.
“[A]ll individuals currently living within the State of Michigan are ordered to stay at home or at their place of residence. Subject to the same exceptions, all public and private gatherings of any number of people occurring among persons not part of a single household are prohibited,” an executive order from her office said.
That was quickly deemed unconstitutional by the Michigan Supreme Court, but even then, Whitmer fought in court to keep the private gathering order in effect. She eventually lost that battle, too, and the Supreme Court forced her to immediately lift the ban.
Despite the restrictions, according to the Census Bureau poll, Michigan residents do not appear eager – or at least as eager as residents of other states – to receive vaccinations, which could result in resuming life as normal.
– – –
Pete D’Abrosca is a contributor at The Michigan Star and The Star News Network. Follow Pete on Twitter. Email tips to [email protected].
