The unvaccinated may not be who we think they are, according to The New York Times.

In a recent analysis, The Times reported that the United States has among the world’s highest COVID-19 deaths per capita, but vaccinations are widely available without cost. Many other countries that struggled to obtain vaccinations now often exceed the United States in vaccination rates. Pollsters report a clear partisan divide with Republicans more likely to contend they will not get vaccinated. However, evidence shows otherwise.

Almost 95% of those over 65 have received at least one dose even though this age group reports watching Fox News that regularly misreports on the safety and efficacy of vaccinations.

The Times goes on to report that mask mandates have not resulted in huge resignations despite polls that indicated 72% of the unvaccinated said they’d quit if forced to get inoculated. After United Airlines imposed its vaccination mandate, just 232 employees out of 67,000 refused to get the vaccination. Of about 10,000 employees in state health care facilities in North Carolina, just 16 were fired for failing to comply with the vaccination mandate.

Erosion of trust has played a significant role. Some people are more vulnerable to misinformation, and the typical public service announcements tell them to talk with their physicians and trusted medical advisors. However, as of 2015, 25% of Americans had no primary care provider. So lack of health insurance could be the leading factor in failing to get vaccinated. Those who are skeptical and fearful don’t have a trusted medical advisor.

While those over 65 are typical Fox News watchers, they have Medicare coverage. They have health insurance and the ability to speak with their primary care providers. Low vaccination rates in rural areas may be due to lack of insurance and lack of access to health care.

The Times piece suggests a solution could be as simple as sending out health care workers to communities that lack health insurance and have high rates of unvaccinated. While this might add another responsibility to already over-burdened health care workers, it could alleviate their workload by reducing the numbers showing up at hospital emergency rooms.