The Foundation for a Healthy Kentucky commissioned the University of Cincinnati’s Institute for Policy Research to conduct the poll June 4 — July 13, 2022. A random sample of 814 adults from throughout Kentucky was interviewed by telephone. The margin of error was ±3.4%.

At the start of the poll, vaccines were available to everyone ages 5 years and older. On June 18, 2022, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) gave emergency use authorization for the vaccine to be used in children ages six months and older.

The Omicron variant and subvariants were spreading rapidly throughout the Commonwealth. Though generally resulting in more mild symptoms than previous variants, Omicron and the BA.5 subvariant were highly contagious and people who had received the initial doses of the vaccine and boosters were testing positive, as well as the unvaccinated.

During this time, the CDC advised being up to date on vaccines and boosters was the best way to avoid severe illness, hospitalization and death from the coronavirus. “Up to date” was defined as having received all the doses (initial and boosters) as recommended and available for an individual’s age and health status (i.e., immunocompromised).

August/September 2021 Poll

The Foundation commissioned the University of Cincinnati’s Institute for Policy Research to conduct a second Vaccines in Kentucky Poll, this one from August 4 - September 4, 2021. More than 500 adults from throughout Kentucky were polled by telephone. The poll includes a +/- 4.3 percent margin of error.

At the time of the poll, COVID-19 cases, hospitalizations and deaths were surging in Kentucky as the highly contagious Delta variant quickly spread. The CDC fully approved the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine on August 23, 2021 for those ages 16 years and older. The Pfizer vaccine continued to be available to people ages 12 to 15 through an emergency use authorization. The Moderna and Janssen/Johnson & Johnson COVID-19 vaccines also continued to be available under EUA for individuals 18 years and older.

February/March 2021 Poll

The Foundation commissioned the University of Cincinnati’s Institute for Policy Research to conduct the Vaccines in Kentucky Poll February 11 - March 12, 2021. A random sample of 807 adults from across the commonwealth was interviewed by telephone. This included 212 landline interviews and 595 cell phone interviews. In 95 of 100 cases, the full sample estimates will be accurate to ±3.5%.

At the time of the poll, COVID-19 vaccines were being rolled out in phases, with the “1A” group including those in long-term care and assisted living facilities, as well as health care professionals, and “1B” including those age 70 and older, first responders, K-12 school personnel, and child care workers. The Pfizer, Moderna, and Janssen/Johnson & Johnson vaccines were available under emergency use authorization for individuals 18 years and older.