A survey from the Phoenix-based OH Predictive Insights of more than 850 people found more residents are optimistic about the COVID-19 pandemic.
Concerns over the virus have been consistent since September. About 43% of Arizonans are worried about the virus, while only about 35% are slightly concerned or not at all.
But nearly twice as many people believe the virus will get better than those who do not in the next month. Nearly half respondents believe the state will be able to achieve herd immunity, even though about a quarter of people said they would not get the vaccine.
Mike Noble, OH Predictive Insights chief of research, says there are strong ties to political ideology and openness to vaccines.
“More than one quarter of Independents are unwilling to take the COVID-19 vaccine, only 7% less than the share of Republicans unwilling to do so. Meanwhile just 10% of Democrats say they would not take the vaccine," Noble said.
Noble says unless more people are willing to get vaccinated, herd immunity is not as likely to be achieved.
