Vaccine hesitancy appears to be waning, according to the latest Axios-Ipsos Coronavirus Index, which showed that only 14% of unvaccinated Americans are not at all likely to get the COVID shot.

Axios-Ipsos reasoned the change in mindset was due to the approval of the Pfizer vaccine by the Food and Drug Administration in late August and the significant rise in COVID cases across the U.S. due to the highly contagious Delta variant.

Nearly 80 million eligible Americans are unvaccinated, but Axios-Ipsos’ index indicated that only one in five of them are unlikely to get the COVID vaccine. The advocacy organization said it was the lowest level it has seen since it started tracking vaccine hesitancy.

The index also measured Americans’ concern about the Delta variant and returning to pre-coronavirus life too soon. As many as 78% of people are somewhat concerned about the pandemic now, with 80% concerned about the Delta variant spreading in the U.S.

Another 60% of Americans think returning to pre-pandemic life now would be a large or moderate risk.

Despite these concerns, however, some Americans are returning to life as usual with protective measures. Over half (56%) of Americans are going out to eat and visiting with friends and relatives, but 69% of people report using face masks some or all of the time.

The World Health Organization lists vaccine hesitancy as one of its top 10 global health threats
The World Health Organization lists vaccine hesitancy as one of its top 10 global health threats AFP / CHANDAN KHANNA