
Consider This from NPR How Many Of America's One Million COVID Deaths Were Preventable?
May 17, 2022
John Burnett, NPR national correspondent, sheds light on the troubling statistics of COVID-19 deaths in the U.S., noting that almost one-third could have been avoided with vaccination. He shares poignant stories from individuals hesitant to get vaccinated, revealing the deep-seated fears and distrust that fuel their decisions. The discussion highlights the lack of progress in changing these views despite the overwhelming evidence of vaccine efficacy. Community-specific approaches and the role of political views in vaccine acceptance are also examined, emphasizing the critical need for trust in public health.
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Preventable COVID Deaths
- An estimated 320,000 COVID deaths in the U.S. could have been prevented by higher vaccination rates.
- This is according to a study by Brown University and Microsoft AI for Health.
Vaccine Hesitancy in Texas
- Social worker West Hanson encounters vaccine hesitancy among his clients in Texas.
- Despite a client suffering a stroke after contracting COVID-19, she remains fearful of vaccination.
Persistent Vaccine Refusal
- Approximately 13-15% of the public consistently reports they will definitely not get vaccinated.
- This statistic has remained stable for over a year, according to KFF research.

