Many states are seeing COVID-19 cases level off, but some areas are actually increasing and data shows that it is happening in many rural areas. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, vaccine hesitancy studies have been conducted from December through April and coverage was lower in rural counties at 38.9% than in urban counties which checked in at 45.7%. 

A similar poll conducted by the Kaiser Family Foundation found vaccine hesitancy was highest in rural counties with 21% of rural residents saying they would definitely not get the vaccine compared with 10% of urban residents. 

Doctor Robert Ayers, with OSF HealthCare Occupational Health says that he is concerned that some rural counties with low rates will see an increase in the delta variant from India. In some southern counties in Illinois less than 25% of the population is vaccinated.

The new variant allows the virus to spread more easily and brings different symptoms such as hearing loss and gangrene. The new strain makes up nearly 10% of US cases and is doubling nearly every two weeks according to a new study done by The Lancet.

Dr. Ayers says that it will become fairly standard in the near future for your regular physician to be able to give you the vaccine. You should see your doctor when you have questions about the vaccine and its benefits and drawbacks.

A recent CDC study showed that 86% of rural residents report they trust their own health care providers which is why it is so critical to go to your own Doctors if you have any questions. Dr. Ayers believes answering questions can alleviate a lot of fear and concern that you may have.

As far as talking with hesitant patients, he encourages patients by reminding them that 318 million shots have been given in the US without significant negative impacts that can be tied to the vaccine. 

Safety data is there according to Dr. Ayers. He says the mRNA vaccines do their work and leave the body within weeks, so long-lasting impacts shouldn’t be a concern. The virus that causes COVID-19 is different for each person, so you won’t know what kind of impact it will have on your body.

Again, for more information, please contact your local physician.