Over the last few years, vaccines have become more and more controversial across the U.S. On the verge of a new vaccine for COVID-19, we looked at those that are most likely to go out and get a new vaccine, and those that are more skeptical.

For the data, we looked at the MRI Doublebase survey. The results of that survey are very interesting, with those that agree somewhat or strongly agree with vaccines typically as those with higher income, and those who are older. Both the higher the income, and the older you are, the more likely you are to agree with vaccines. There is also a positive association to vaccines for those that think that medication has improved the quality of their lives.

On the other hand, there is a strong correlation between those with military service having negative feelings towards vaccines. There are also negative associations for those that prefer alternative medicine to traditional medical practices, those that think that herbal supplements are effective, and those that think that vitamin supplements improve one’s health. Most interesting of the negative associations, those that state that they are often the first to try the most advanced medicines are less likely to agree with vaccines than their peers.

When we look at the map, the bulk of the population falls into the “very likely” or the “likely” category, meaning that when presented with a new vaccine, most will go out and get it. Nearly everyone living east of the Mississippi river falls into that category, with those living to the west as more likely to not get the latest vaccine.

Based on Panorama segment, those that agree with the statement “the benefits of vaccines outweigh any possible risks” are those in segments 01 (One Percenters), 13 (Cowboy Country), 27 (Young Costal Technocrats), 39 (Second City Beginnings) and 57 (Cap and Gown). Those that do not agree with the previous statement and are less likely to get a vaccine, are in segments 26 (High Density Diversity), 31 (Working Hispania), 59 (Hispanic Working Class), 62 (Living Here in Allentown) and 65 (Forgotten Towns). The demographics of those areas correlate to the MRI Doublebase survey data as well, giving us a good picture of who our vaccine accepters and skeptics are, along with where they live.