Walgreens Survey Finds 73% Say Getting COVID-19 Vaccine Positively Impacted Their Mental Health

A new survey conducted by Walgreens has found that 73% of participants who got the COVID-19 vaccine have had a more positive mental health perspective compared to the beginning of the pandemic. Further, more than 67% of respondents indicated that vaccination will benefit their physical health, as well.

Survey respondents were comprised of individuals who are fully or partially vaccinated. With more than half of US adults now in this vaccinated population and many returning to pre-pandemic activities and lifestyles, the sentiment most shared among those vaccinated is relief (64%), followed by thankfulness and optimism, according to the survey.

Findings from the research are based on an online survey of 1500 people and included a nationally representative sample of Americans over 18 years of age who reported getting 1 or both doses of a 2-dose vaccine or a 1-dose vaccine. Interviews were collected from April 19 to April 21, 2021, with the results based on total sample (except when noted otherwise).

“Our pharmacy staff and store team members have seen first-hand some of the emotion from customers and patients—having endured the past year of the pandemic, and now, recognizing the vaccine can be the catalyst to getting back to the people, and the things they truly value and have missed the most,” said Rina Shah, Walgreens group vice president of pharmacy operations and services, in a press release. “As more people look to resume their pre-pandemic lifestyle, the coronavirus vaccines have been and can continue to be the key for doing so as quickly and safely as possible.”

Although 70% of respondents were looking to get the vaccine “as soon as it became available to them,” 29% of those surveyed had mixed feelings until deciding vaccination was the best thing to do.

Women comprised 60% of the initially hesitant group, with half of this group under 40 years of age. In addition, most respondents said they decided to get the vaccine to help protect others, whereas the majority of early adopters cited their own peace of mind and protection as their top motivator.

This group felt they were more likely to take limited risks throughout the pandemic than their peers. While looking at people’s comfort levels across a range of activities post-vaccination, respondents cited the greatest comfort with seeing family and friends (86%) and dining out (75%).

REFERENCE

COVID-19 Vaccine Helps Alleviate Pandemic Fears and Anxiety – 73 Percent Say Getting The Vaccine Has Positively Impacted Their Mental Health, Walgreens Survey Finds. Walgreens Newsroom. Published May 6, 2021. Accessed May 14, 2021.