A survey reveals that distrust of the COVID-19 vaccine is increasing among Americans, with many believing it should be a personal choice.

According to a recent national health survey by the Annenberg Public Policy Center at the University of Pennsylvania, an increasing number of Americans are doubtful about vaccines for COVID and other infectious diseases.

According to a press release, over a quarter of respondents (28%) now believe that the COVID vaccines have resulted in thousands of deaths, which is an increase from 22% in June 2021.

An increase from 10% in April 2021 to 22% of respondents now believe it is safer to contract COVID than to get vaccinated.

The percentage of Americans who believe the vaccine alters DNA has increased from 8% to 15% since the previous poll.

The survey gathered input from nearly 1,500 U.S. adults.

According to Kathleen Hall Jamieson, director of the Annenberg Public Policy Center and director of the survey, there is a link between belief in these three misconceptions and decreased willingness to get vaccinated.

In February 2024, 25% of people were "somewhat or very worried" about being infected with COVID, compared to 20% in October 2023 and 35% in the same month in 2023, according to researchers.

After the FDA approves updated COVID vaccines, the results will be available.

Jamieson emphasized the importance of increasing awareness about the benefits of vaccinating against COVID-19 and the dangers of contracting the disease, as the CDC reports that the infection remains a persistent threat and an updated vaccine is now available.

Planet Chronicle Digital reached out to the study researchers for comment.

Planet Chronicle Digital reported on the survey findings, and Dr. Brett Osborn, a Florida neurosurgeon and longevity expert, provided his comments on the matter.

He stated that while mainstream narratives highlight the safety and effectiveness of COVID-19 vaccines, it is crucial to examine the entirety of the situation, particularly when comparing vaccination to natural immunity, especially in 2024.

Myocarditis, an inflammation of the heart muscle, is a widely publicized risk associated with mRNA vaccines, particularly in younger males, according to Osborn.

"It’s important to take a closer look at the full picture … when considering the risks and benefits."

Myocarditis, though uncommon, poses a grave risk, resulting in hospitalization and potentially long-term health problems or death, as he stated.

The doctor mentioned that there are additional risks, such as neurological complications like Guillain-Barré syndrome and ADEM, which can affect the nervous system.

He told Planet Chronicle Digital that, although rare, the existence of these cases underscores the need for more discussion about the potential risks of vaccination, particularly in light of the absence of long-term studies.

"In essence, since these vaccines are only several years old and have not been vetted appropriately, Americans are being used as the "study cohort.""

According to Osborn, the idea that the vaccine alters human DNA is a myth.

He stated that the mRNA in these vaccines instructs cells to produce a spike protein, which triggers an immune response, and then the mRNA is rapidly degraded and expelled from the body.

"No evidence indicates that mRNA can integrate into human DNA."

The doctor urged health authorities to communicate openly about the vaccine technology to dispel myths and address legitimate concerns about its long-term effects.

Since the virus emerged in 2020, the COVID landscape has undergone a significant transformation.

He stated that the current strains of the virus, being RNA-based, have undergone numerous mutations that have generally made them less virulent.

"This is not about being anti-vaccine, but about making informed, balanced decisions based on the current scientific evidence and the realities of the virus."

"The majority of the population, especially those in good health and under 60, are more likely to experience mild symptoms from a COVID-19 infection rather than severe illness or death."

Osborn argued that questioning the push for widespread vaccination may be reasonable, particularly when natural infection can result in strong and enduring immunity.

According to Osborn, research consistently demonstrates that natural immunity, which is acquired after recovering from an illness, is typically more thorough and enduring than immunity generated by vaccines.

The doctor stated that although vaccines have been crucial in managing the pandemic, the current situation calls for a more nuanced strategy that takes into account individual preferences, acknowledges the risks in relation to the advantages, and recognizes the strength of natural immunity.

"The focus is not on being anti-vaccine, but rather on making informed, well-balanced decisions based on current scientific evidence and the current state of the virus."

Dr. Marc Siegel, a senior medical analyst for Planet Chronicle and a clinical professor of medicine at NYU Langone Medical Center, advised that high-risk groups should receive the updated COVID vaccines.

The new vaccines for 2024-2025, according to him, remain effective in decreasing the risks of severe disease and long COVID, and should be especially considered by high-risk groups, including those with chronic diseases and the elderly.

"The decision to continue taking medication after immunization should be a personal choice, discussed between the doctor and patient, considering that viral load and transmission decrease during the post-immunization period."

Siegel stated that the risks of the virus, such as myocarditis and brain fog, are "far greater," but the vaccine decreases those risks.

The doctor stated that while it's not ideal, it's still practical.

"I believe the vaccines remain effective at decreasing risks of severe disease and long COVID, and should especially be considered in high-risk groups."

"Currently, there is a significant increase in COVID FLirt subvariants, and the vaccine is designed to protect against them."

The CDC advises that all individuals aged 6 months and above should receive the latest COVID-19 vaccine, including pregnant and breastfeeding women.

The CDC reported that 17% of COVID tests were positive as of the week ending Aug. 24.

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The percentage of COVID-19 diagnoses among emergency department visitors decreased by 1% from the previous week, with 2.5% of visitors being diagnosed with the virus.

The percentage of COVID-related deaths increased from 1.9% to 2.2%, according to the CDC.