By Elizabeth Elizalde // SWNS
NEWS COPY W/ VIDEO + INFOGRAPHIC
The holidays are about to get heated. Nearly two-thirds of vaccinated Americans have banned unvaccinated family members from their holiday gatherings this year, according to new research.
A survey of 2,000 U.S. residents – conducted by OnePoll on Nov. 2 – examined how the COVID-19 vaccine has impacted people’s relationships with their loved ones ahead of the holidays this year.
According to the results, nearly seven in 10 respondents (67%) said they feel they cannot go home for the holidays without getting vaccinated first.
Of the 65% who are fully vaccinated, six in 10 (58%) have reportedly cut off family members who refuse to get vaccinated, while 63% don’t feel comfortable inviting unvaccinated relatives to their parties.
Seventy-two percent of vaccinated respondents don’t think they could ever get some of these family members to understand the importance of the vaccine.
In fact, 14% of survey respondents don’t plan to ever get the shot themselves.
When asked about their decision, one respondent shared that they “don’t trust the vaccine is safe,” while another said they were “concerned about side effects.”
One even admitted believing the vaccine “was rushed and people who are getting vaccinated are still getting sick.”
Half of unvaccinated respondents (49%) have stopped communicating with family members who don't understand why they refuse the shot.
These strained family dynamics may explain why 22% of unvaccinated respondents have so far been excluded from all family gatherings, including the holidays.
However, 38% of unvaccinated people said they remain in contact with their vaccinated loved ones, and 58% of the same group added that they’re still welcome at family get-togethers.
The study also suggests that the vaccine has played a role in the workforce the way it has in family relationships.
Forty-three percent of unvaccinated respondents said they’re “worried” about potentially losing their jobs and benefits, or paying higher health insurance premiums because they’re not vaccinated.
Their concerns come on the heels of a new federal mandate announced on Nov. 4, which will require Americans working at companies with 100 or more employees to be vaccinated by Jan. 4 or get tested for the virus every week.
Regardless of their vaccination status, half (53%) of those polled agree that the politicization of the vaccine has completely divided their families, and four in five (79%) believe politics should not play a role in science or medicine.
That topic may be up for discussion at the dinner table this holiday season, since over half (56%) anticipate having arguments with their families about the vaccine.
AMERICANS’ MUST-HAVE HOLIDAY TRAVEL ITEMS
- Face masks - 62%
- Hand sanitizer - 58%
- Gifts - 54%
- Food/snacks - 50%
- Disposable gloves - 43%
