Report examines COVID-19 vaccine confidence among Syracuse University students

The majority of Syracuse University students are willing to get vaccinated against COVID-19, according to a newly-released report, “Get Shot Done: Vaccine Confidence Among Syracuse Students.” Those who don’t want the vaccine are hesitant due to fear of side effects.

The report was released by student-run PR firm Hill Communications and student-run advertising firm TNH, both based in Syracuse University’s S.I. Newhouse School of Public Communications, in partnership with global health innovation company Real Chemistry.

The study was based on digital survey responses from 472 students, two focus groups and social media conversation analysis.

According to the report:

• 95% of respondents said they would get the vaccine if it meant a return to classrooms and regular social life on campus.
• 86% of respondents said they are open to getting the vaccine as soon as it’s made available to them.
• 80% of respondents who don’t want to get vaccinated reported it was because they were nervous about side effects.

“The widespread impacts of COVID-19 have transformed student life,” says Jesse Nadelman, Hill Communications firm director. “Our research not only emphasizes this, but also uncovers insights surrounding the student body’s substantial willingness to do whatever it takes to ‘get back to normal.’ We hope these findings can serve as a guide for universities and colleges nationwide looking to vaccinate their student populations for the 2021-2022 school year.”

Syracuse University has mandated that students, faculty and staff must be vaccinated by the start of the fall semester, except in cases of medical or religious exemptions.

Research from the report has informed Hill Communications and TNH’s vaccine confidence campaign, “Get Shot Done SU.” With the goal of increasing vaccine confidence University wide, the campaign features an Instagram account, @getshotdoneSU, which displays lighthearted video content, memes and informational posts delving into vaccine science and how to get vaccinated.

The campaign will culminate in a virtual panel discussion Wednesday, May 19, at 7 p.m. ET. Hosted by Newhouse student Sean Dorcellus, the event will include panelists Indu Gupta, Onondaga County Commissioner of Health; Annika Engineer, practice leader, corporate strategy and crisis communications at Real Chemistry; and Allen Griffin, assistant coach of the Syracuse University men’s basketball team. They will discuss student confidence and hesitancy toward the COVID-19 vaccine and the path forward. Register online.  

For more information, contact Chelsea Stern at 856.577.0302 or cstern@hillcommunications.org.