Arizonans more willing to get vaccine, more worried about virus, poll finds

PHOENIX – As COVID-19 cases surged in recent months, Arizonans grew more concerned about the pandemic and increased their willingness to get vaccinated, according to public opinion polling released Thursday.

In a survey of registered Arizona voters by Phoenix research firm OH Predictive Insights, 64% of respondents said they were extremely or moderately concerned about the coronavirus.

The poll was conducted Jan. 11-18, while COVID-19 cases, deaths and hospitalizations were at or near peak levels. Most of the metrics have improved in over the last few weeks but still remain at substantial levels.

In the last OH Predictive poll on virus-related topics, which was done when the first pandemic wave had receded in September, only 55% said they were extremely or moderately concerned about the virus.

In the new poll, 59% said they would take a COVID-19 vaccine, with 25% saying no, 13% undecided and 3% already vaccinated.

That was a big change from four months ago, before any vaccines cleared for use in the United States, when only 38% of Arizonans said they’d agree to get an approved shot, with 38% saying no and 23% unsure.

“Credit needs to be given to government and health officials who have been encouraging folks to get vaccinated,” OH Predictive data analyst Jacob Joss said in a press release.

“The tide has shifted dramatically since last summer when most people were hesitant about taking a vaccine.”

One member of the government who isn’t getting much credit is Gov. Doug Ducey.

According to the new poll, only 25% think he is doing a better job handling COVID-19 than governors in other states, with 43% saying he was somewhat or much worse.

Related

Poll finds less than 40% of Arizona voters would get coronavirus vaccineState seeks sanctions against Tucson mobile home park owner over unsafe electrical systemSAFE Alert canceled after missing 41-year-old man last seen in Avondale found safeHarry & Izzy’s steakhouse announces opening state for Arizona debutWalmart buys 38 acres along growing West Valley distribution corridorGallego, Kelly urge FAA to revisit Phoenix flight path plans amid noise concerns