In perhaps the most in-depth polling on the topic of mRNA vaccines, a new nationwide poll of 1,000 U.S. adults, conducted by John Zogby Strategies, continues to show a large portion of the public has concerns over mRNA-based COVID-19 vaccines.

When asked whether they'll take the first-time mRNA vaccine, a total of 55% prefer to either "wait and see if it negatively affects other people who get it" (39%) or "don't want to take this new mRNA COVID-19 vaccine" (16%). Thirty percent report they "will take the mRNA vaccine as soon as it is available."

Looking more closely at those choosing not to get the vaccine: 67% are fearful of side effects. A similar October 2020 poll showed that 59% were afraid of side effects, a growth of 8% points.  In this same group, 39% are concerned because vaccine makers have liability protection.

"These numbers show millions of Americans are afraid or uncertain about future effects of this next-generation vaccine," Pollster Jeremy Zogby said. "How will the CDC and FDA deal with this deeply rooted sentiment? In any event, they'll have to deal with the reality that fear/hesitancy is intense."