Of all the hardships due to COVID-19, moments of in-person connection is what people have missed the most. 74% Americans want to get back to visiting friends and families.1 Yet, many Americans are on the fence about getting vaccinated. About four-in-ten (39%) say that they definitely or probably, would not get a vaccine. While 75% have at least a fair amount of confidence that the R&D process will produce safe and effective vaccines, there is considerable wariness – only 37% are comfortable in being among the first to get vaccinated.2
Vaccine hesitancy is driven by concerns about safety and side effects, distrust in political and economic motives, and lack of knowledge. With the pandemic affecting communities across the country, addressing people with targeted resources and support has become extremely important. And here’s how Audio helps.
Audio Reaches Everyone, Everywhere – Especially Those In COVID-19 Hotspots and Vaccine Hesitant Audience Groups Audio presents public health officials with tremendous opportunities to reach and mobilize those who are on the fence. We reach the most hesitant groups, such as African Americans and parents.
- The Ad Council reports that African Americans have a high level of hesitancy (62% are skeptical or open but uncertain, of getting the vaccine), mainly because of distrust in government motives.1 These audiences are listening. Nine-in-ten (89%) African Americans tune in to AM/FM radio every week, as well as over-index as monthly podcast listeners (index 123). Audacy OTA reaches over 15 million US adults from diverse racial backgrounds such as African Americans, Asians and others, and almost 8 million African Americans weekly.3
- According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, nearly a quarter of American parents are vaccine hesitant, mainly due to safety reasons, and this may pose implications on COVID-19 vaccination.4 92% of parents tune in to AM/FM radio every week. Audacy OTA reaches over 21 million parents weekly.3 And they listen to podcasts, over-indexing significantly as monthly podcast listeners (index 134).
Audio Drives Action
Audio is in a unique position to influence with a trusted voice. Audio can amplify efforts to educate and build confidence in the COVID vaccination efforts.
- Audio is the most trusted medium. Trust fosters engagement and enhances the quality of reach, creating a sense of belonging and memorability.5
- Podcasts offer a ripe environment to discuss vaccine-related topics. Audacy’s Engaged Impressions study shows that the health and wellness genre is highly immersive6. This type of content emotionally connects with audiences and holds their attention.
- Audio listeners take action for health. A grand majority (88%) of AM/FM radio listeners have made an appointment to see their doctors after consuming health-related ads. The trend is similar for podcast listeners, who are notably more likely than average to turn to their doctors (+19%) upon consuming a heath ad.3
Audio’s unmatched national reach, along with listeners’ trust in audio and willingness to hear about health related content, build personal touchpoints like no other medium. Therefore Audio, and especially Audacy, is able to amplify information and build confidence in the vaccine, and get us closer to finish line of the COVID-19 pandemic.