JACKSON HOLE, Wyo. — Wyoming ranks among the bottom of states for COVID vaccination rates, and state health officials are beginning to ramp up their efforts to convince residents to roll up their sleeves.
Teton County leads the state in vaccination rate at over 60%…and it’s not even close. Campbell County, for example is languishing around 16%. Overall, Wyoming is one of a handful of states vaccinated at a rate far below the national average. Just 37.4% of Wyoming residents have had their first shot. The national average is about 51%.
Why the reluctance to get jabbed? Polls suggest general skepticism is keeping many away. Wyoming is listed as partly “watchful” when it comes to a COVID vaccine; meaning most need to see friends and peers having safe, positive vaccination experiences before they will commit. Their reported vaccination likelihood (on a scale up to 10) is 4.95.
Other reasons identified as reasons people are not lining up for a shot even when they are readily available are: system distrusters, COVID skeptics, and those worried about costs associated with vaccines.
Interestingly enough, the biggest distrusters of their own government are those that live in the Washington, DC where the message originates. COVID skeptic states include Arkansas (30% say that’s why they are not getting vaccinated), North Dakota (29%), Wyoming (25%), Louisiana (24%), and Idaho (23%).
Wyoming doubles down on vaccination efforts
Kim Deti, public information officer with the Wyoming Department of Health, said free vaccines are now available in full supply across the state, and health officials already are seeing positive results from those who have received shots.
In Teton County, local health officials have launched a “Shot for Swag” campaign giving away prizes to those who sign up to be vaccinated.
“The vast majority of the recent new cases in Wyoming have involved people who were not yet fully vaccinated,” Deti said. “So, we would really like to see everyone who is eligible to go ahead and make that choice to get vaccinated. They’re doing their job really well.”
Wyofile reported that Vermont, the second lowest-populated state behind Wyoming, is close to meeting its goal of vaccinating 80 percent of residents. Wyoming has so far vaccinated just 37 percent.
Deti said there are numerous reasons people are reluctant to sign up for shots, including the politicization of the public health emergency. People have also expressed concerns over getting shots that were brought to market in record time.
