A new study of 2,000 caregivers for the elderly found only half are fully vaccinated against COVID-19. The study by Caring.com also found that a quarter of those caregivers who still aren’t vaccinated plan on remaining that way indefinitely.
“Not only do unvaccinated caregivers present an increased risk to themselves, their family members and their own social circles, but they also bring increased risk to the people that they care for,” Aaron Glatt, M.D., told Caring.com.
The survey found distrust was the most common reason caregivers cited for not getting the shots, with 10% believing COVID-19 is a hoax. Half of those surveyed said they don’t wear masks in public or around at-risk individuals. They also said they would risk losing their jobs over getting vaccinated.
The CDC estimates 81% of adults over the age of 65 have been fully vaccinated, but an estimated 10 million seniors haven’t gotten the shots and could face serious illness or death if they contract the virus.
