Here’s What North Carolina Parents Really Think About Vaccines & Masks

As mask mandates continue to be lifted in certain states (finally here in Mecklenburg County!), many people are curious to understand how parents feel about mandates and vaccines for their…

Melanie Day

Updated Mar 1, 2022 11:14 AM EST

BELO HORIZONTE, BRAZIL – JANUARY 18: A child under 12 years old receives a dose of Pfizer vaccine as part of the COVID-19 immunization campaign on January 18, 2022 in Belo Horizonte, Brazil. As COVID-19 cases spike due to the Omicron variant in the last week, state governments have decided to start vaccinating children between the ages of 5 and 11.

(Photo by Pedro Vilela/Getty Images)

As mask mandates continue to be lifted in certain states (finally here in Mecklenburg County!), many people are curious to understand how parents feel about mandates and vaccines for their children. Despite government mandates easing nationwide, parents are still concerned about their kids’ wellbeing in schools. Our findings show exactly how parents truly feel about their kids being vaccinated.

Like most issues, many people are divided on the issue. You've got those who are more afraid of Covid and it's effects and will take any and every precaution. Then you've got those who oppose any vaccines or restrictions. And the least vocal, but in my mind the silent majority, those who take a more nuanced approach when making decisions. So how do people really feel? The team at Signs surveyed over 1,000 people to understand their COVID concerns and feelings towards masks and vaccinations.

Some Study Highlights:

72% of parents believe COVID vaccines should be required for all eligible children; almost 2 in 10 think they shouldn’t be
More than 1 in 2 children are vaccinated against COVID, and 21% of parents plan to vaccinate their kids soon
46% of people ignore all COVID variant news
Top perceived risks of requiring kids’ vaccinations:
- Possible long-term side effects (54%)
- Questionable efficacy against variants (47%)
- May create health problems in the future (35%)

Check out the full study here.

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Melanie DayWriter

Melanie Day is a graduate of North Carolina State University. She has worked for Beasley since 2012 in a variety of behind-the-scenes roles in both digital and promotions. Melanie writes about a diverse range of topics some of her favorites include travel, restaurants, Taylor Swift, and college athletics. When not at work you'll find her at a country concert or NC State sporting event.