How do Washingtonians feel about the COVID-19 response and recovery? Results of the latest Puget Sound Energy (PSE) survey show some shifting opinions around vaccines and in-person education.

Here are some key takeaways:

• Vaccines:
  • Willingness to take a COVID-19 vaccine has steadily increased in the past five months. In October 2020, 45% of respondents indicated a willingness to take a vaccine. That number jumped to 63% in February.
  • Certain factors affect vaccine opinion and behavior more than others. Some factors could affect the behavior of those most vaccine-resistant or hesitant, including: (a) seeing friends and family get vaccinated without side effects, and (b) having the vaccine be required for certain activities.
  • People need to know vaccines are free. Nearly one in four residents said they are concerned about cost. Public messaging should emphasize the vaccine is free for everyone.
  • Pierce County residents are the least concerned about the risk of serious harm from COVID-19. Residents exhibit relatively higher levels of mistrust of the health care system and are concerned about vaccine effectiveness, side effects, vaccine registration and administration processes.

• Schools:
  • Opinion is shifting toward supporting more in-person instruction (part time or full time).

The survey included a sampling of residents from King, Pierce, Thurston, Skagit, Snohomish, Whatcom, Kitsap, Kittitas, Island and Lewis counties.

See the full survey results.