Date Range: November 30 – December 20, 2021

Findings. The major theme for this report is that some consumers express distrust for the authorization of COVID-19 vaccines after CDC updated its recommendations with a preference for the Pfizer-BioNTech and Moderna vaccines over the Johnson & Johnson’s Janssen COVID-19 Vaccine. A second theme is that consumers and news outlets continue to have questions and concerns about the SARS-CoV-2 Omicron variant. Third, consumers and parents continue to discuss concerns surrounding COVID-19 vaccines for children. The final finding from this report is that consumers have questions and concerns about the safety and effectiveness of the COVID-19 booster dose, mixing vaccine brands and types, and the potential need for additional booster doses.

Ways to take action. Federal, state, and local partners should continue to work together to explain the rationale for updated guidance, respond to gaps in information, and confront mis/disinformation with evidence-based messaging. These efforts \aim to increase confidence in COVID-19 vaccines and expand vaccine uptake more broadly. Create, disseminate, and amplify messages, especially on social media, that explain why the Pfizer-BioNTech or Moderna COVID-19 vaccines are preferred over the J&J/Janssen COVID-19 vaccine in most cases, including what has changed since the Janssen COVID-19 vaccine pause lifted on April 23, 2021.

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SoVC_report21.pdf

Aims and Methods -- Major Themes -- Consumers express distrust for the authorization of COVID-19 vaccines after CDC endorsed a preference for the Pfizer-BioNTech and Moderna vaccines. -- Continuing and Evolving Themes -- Consumers and news outlets have questions and concerns about the SARS-CoV-2 Omicron variant. -- Consumers and parents continue to discuss concerns surrounding COVID vaccines for children -- Consumers have questions and concerns about the safety and effectiveness of the COVID-19 booster doses, mixing vaccine brands and types, and the potential need for additional booster doses. -- Appendix: Inputs and Sources.