How COVID Vaccines can Affect Businesses

David Beach

December 15th, 2021

Communication Research

Dr. Katrina Farren-Eller

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Executive Summary

We have seen how COVID can affect the economy and affect businesses. There have

been up to 18 million households1 who did not have a sufficient amount of food and necessities

due to loss of jobs and income. The highest peak of the difficulties with monetary hardships

peaked in December of 2020. More specifically, the reports of adults not having enough food for

seven days decreased from roughly 13% in December 2020 to 10% in January 2021. The main

factor of this decrease was that the vaccine began to become available, which resulted in some

people finally going back to work.

Since July 1, 2021, the estimated cost of COVID relief was $16 trillion2. This goes from

testing to medical care, and all the medical protection that doctors, nurses, and other employees

and everyday people need to wear. Another big cost, that we will dig deeper into is the cost of

the vaccine and what some companies are doing to try and incentive people to get the shot.

Boston University School of Medicine researched to find out if the incentives that

various companies, universities, and states offered impacted more people getting vaccinated

would lower the positivity rate of the virus.

Ultimately, the data that they gathered from the U.S Census Bureau showed that one of

the incentives are lotteries that states put in place to help get people vaccinated did not increase

the percentage of vaccinated3.

Summary of Findings

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 When it comes to universities and colleges, one researcher says that it is saving them

money. For example, Missouri State University is offering its students free housing, free tuition,

free parking pass among other things. How can these incentives ultimately save the universities

money? The money that they will be giving away to students will be coming from private

donors. So, this will lower the number of tests that the school will have to pay for, along with

mitigating the cost of COVID hosing and necessities needed for students who test positive. So,

this is a win-win scenario for Missouri State. They are saving money for themselves, while also

prioritizing the health of their students. Another University that has had incentives for its

students was the College of Charleston. When they reached the checkpoints of 70%, 80% and

90% of their student population vaccinated they threw the students a little part. They consist of

therapy dogs, campus-wide pizza parties, and “students can expect a big splash”, respectively.

However, all of the Presidents and leaders of these Universities, say that these incentives can

only go so far. They believe that they are doing their part, but it is up to the students4.

With the everchanging news that we hear about COVID-19, you never know what to

expect in the future months, or let alone tomorrow. For the future, it is important for university

presidents to find incentives that will convince their students to receive the vaccine. As you will

later learn in the interviews that were conducted, for someone who is not willing to get

vaccinated right away, it’s tough to change their opinion. However, if someone is able to

discover a way to get college students, adults, vaccinated that will speed up the recovery process

from COVID-19.

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 Table of Contents

Title Page…………………………………………...…………………………………………1

Executive Summary………………………………………………………...…………………2

Summary Findings…………………………………………………………………………….3

Table of Contents…………………………………...…………………………………………4

Introduction and Problem Statement……………………………………………………….…5

S.W.O.T……………………………………………………………………………….………5

P.E.S.T………………………………………………………………………………………...8

Methodology………………………………………………………………………………....11

Rational and Objective…………………………………………………………………….…12

Survey Rationale………………………………………………………………………….….14

Interview Rationale…………………………………………………………………….….…17

Recommendations…………….….…………………………………………………………..20

Appendix……………………….…………………………………………………………….21

Citations…………………………………………………………………………………..….34

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 Introduction and Problem Statement

S.W.O.T

Strength

In the S.W.O.T analysis we will be looking at the strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and

threats of COVID-19 incentives and vaccines. This allows us to see a combination of both the

good and bad in regards of vaccines as a whole.

“CDC COVID-19 Study Shows mRNA Vaccines Reduce Risk of Infection by 91 Percent for

Fully Vaccinated People” is the title of the article that discusses how effect the vaccine has been

as of June 7th 2021. Although vaccines cannot fully protect those who are vaccinated, it can make

symptoms weaker. As of Mid-June, 53% of the population was vaccinated. The Biden

administration came to an agreement to give free childcare to parents who needed to receive the

vaccine, or recovering from the effects. Mayors, governors, and various businesses offered

incentives to their employees such as lottery tickets, free hunting and fishing license, and also

free food and drink discounts5. The best part of the incentives that they offer is that the vaccine is

free. So, what you are receiving is completely beneficial. The best part is that everyone who gets

the vaccine will be helping protect the public.

A major strength that is available at Loras College is that we value “Catholic Social

Teaching.” Catholic Social Teaching involves the following of 5 pillars truth, respect,

responsibility, excellence and service. All of these can connect back to how we should care of

about each other, and especially to care about the most vulnerable. How does this connect back

to people getting the vaccine? On February 7th, 2021 the mask mandate was lifted in the state of

Iowa, for those who were vaccinated. Without having an obvious way to tell if people truly are,

pg. 5
we have to have trust in those without masks truly are vaccinated. On the flip side of that, the

City Council of Dubuque has reinstated the mask mandate on September 7th. Although there is no

way to know how many people are following that, it is expected that majority people are not. We

can see this based on the increasing number of positivity rates in Dubuque. In the past 7 days

Dubuque has had a transmission level of 23.37% from November 26, 2021 to December 3rd,

20216. It is very important for those who are not at as strong of a risk to still protect those who

are.

Weakness

One thing that can be a weakness is that people who are not willing to get the vaccine appear

to have very strong beliefs against it and will take a of persuasion lot for them to receive at least

one dose. There is that there is not one way to convince those not willing to get it, which makes

it harder to advertise the benefits to that population. As of September, 23rd 2021, 23% of those

eligible were not yet vaccinated.

A survey that the New York Times conducted consisted of those who have not been

vaccinated yet, results that showed that more people have zero interest in ever getting the

vaccine, as opposed to those who may eventually be persuaded. The majority of these people say

that they are too healthy, and not at any sort of risk of the vaccine affecting them any worse than

the vaccine itself. In the same survey, a quote from a 25-year-old landscaper said “My immune

system could fight it.” The biggest response to the survey was that the main reason (53% of those

surveyed), respondents don’t want the vaccine is that they are worried about the side effects it

may cause. Another 40% and 37% don’t want it due to wanting to see if it’s safe as they don’t

fully trust the vaccines. A month before this article was published (no data on when survey was

pg. 6
conducted) the Pfizer vaccine became the first one to become Food and Drug Administration

(FDA) approved.

Opportunities

One opportunity that we have around campus for students to know what is going around

campus is the school newspaper, The Lorian. According to the head editor, they print

approximately 600-800 copies to be distributed around campus. The copies get placed at the

entrance of each building and campus and even distributed throughout building too. Once the

vaccine was available to the age population of college students, the Loras health department

partnered with local clinics which came on campus. They had variety of doses available

depending on your preferences. This also wasn’t a one-time thing. They had tales set up at least

twice a month during times students are most available (common-time) on Wednesday morning

into afternoon. One of the best things that has been done for college kids, and everyone in

general is that every vaccine free. As we all know, college kids are all very well aware how they

spend their income, and receiving the vaccine doesn’t need to be a worry. As Sciences,

Engineering and Medicine describes those in their teens and early 20’s wants different things

than those in the 40’s. As colleges and universities are able to know what can entice college

students, can be important in getting that age population to buy in.

Threats

One thing that could hurt this theory is that there are millions of people who are already

vaccinated. So, with this being said, any sort of incentives would not include those people. As of

July 1st 2021, there were over 100 million people whom have already got the vaccine. So, those

who are considered “late-adaptors” are the only ones who would be rewarded. NEJM gave the

pg. 7
example that if 60% of the adult population was fully vaccinated, and they offered $100 for the

other 40% to get the vaccine. However, if they were to give it to everyone, including those who

have already gotten it, the price would rise2. At the time, they were predicting that a booster was

going to be needed down the road. They also did predict that these boosters will need more

incentives. Even more so than the original shot. Now that scientists are saying that we will need

a booster, this will be a factor to see how things play out. This will be especially important at

universities and schools as winter is coming, and this is the time of year where people tend to get

sick.

P.E.S.T

Political

The P.E.S.T consists of four different that can have an effect in whether or not someone may

want to get the vaccine. Those four pillars are political, economic, socio-cultural, and

technological. When you are dealing with something as broad as vaccines this are important to

know. Again, these are forever changing and may be different from today.

We have seen a lot of issues, and also a lot of strengths when it comes to political stances and

the COVID vaccine. Although there is no direct stance between getting the vaccine and what

party you’re a part of, there are still some struggles going on. We have seen a presidency change

while the coronavirus was just starting, to where it is at now. Not only did we have two

presidents, but also two different parties with Donald Trump and Joe Biden represent

Republican and Democratic Party, respectively. Each president brought in their beliefs and have

changed the landscape in their own way.

According the White House, President Joe Biden has implemented a rule that companies

with over 100 employees must receive the COVID vaccine. If there are still those are do not,

pg. 8
those individuals still have to be tested on a weekly basis. This rule is being composed by “The

Department of Labor’s Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA)”7. The

government in the United States, and in other countries are taking things into their own hands to

ensure that as many people has possible are getting vaccinated. This related to college as well.

As majority of schools have over 100 employees, faculty and staff that ensure that those

members should be receiving the vaccine.

As stated, there is no correlation between parties and who is willing to get vaccinated.

However, some individuals listen to their respected leader based on their party. We have all

seen how there are no direct answers to this whole thing called the coronavirus and we are

seeing new things each week on what we should do. We have not only seen this with our

President, but also out Senators, Governors and other various state leaders. If your respected

party leader is opposed to the vaccine you often will be too. According to a study done by a

Wake Forrest Professor of Philosophy found that Republicans are 4 times as likely to not get the

vaccine.

Economical

A lot of money has been poured into the protection of you, the first responders, and those

who are most vulnerable. However, most of that money is not coming out of your wallet

directly. We have every opportunity and relatively no excuses to either get tested, or to receive

the vaccine. We have seen individuals who are lower-economic neighborhoods have lower rates

of vaccination statuses.

As previously stated, everybody has the availability to get tested, and also receive the

vaccine, for less than a penny. When you are wanting get vaccinated you don’t even need a car.

Lyft is willing to pick up people and drive you to your location. This is their way to help people

pg. 9
find their way. “Millions of people can’t get to their vaccine. Let’s pick them” is the quote on

Lyft’s website. Lastly, As of July 1st, the estimated cost of COVID relief has been $16 trillion.

Socio-Cultural

Not everyone who lives in the United States, and other countries lack to know the

complete history and data on the vaccines. A lot of neighborhoods lack the resources that

provide them information on up to date evidence on the vaccines. We see this on primary

African-American neighborhoods with low income rates.

As of July 12th, families that make less than $50,000 yearly, make up more than half of

those not vaccinated. The main reasons why those families did not want to receive the shot was

because they did not want to miss any additional days of work due to symptoms. A few of them

also did not have a ride to receive their vaccine. A quote from an additional article8 states,

“Many low-income workers still want to get vaccinated. It's just not always easy.” What makes

all this an opportunity? This is an opportunity because since these research articles have come

out, we now have more ways for people to get there, and also have a way to receive some

possible lost income. We have since adapted and made it more readily available.

According to A Communicator’s Guide to COVID-19 Vaccination, ‘Nine-out-of-10

adults in the U.S. lack the ability to “understand basic medical information and engage in self-

care and chronic disease management”’. With plenty of new information being released on a

day to day business it is important that we as a country would be up to date on what is being

released. Knowing information, such as FDA approving it, may make citizens more likely to

receive it knowing that it is healthy to take.

Technological

There have been a lot of ways that you are able to know if you are eligible for the

pg. 10
vaccine, and where the closest location is to your home. You have all the information that you

need in the palm of your hand when it comes to vaccines. All that colleges do now a days is

communicated with you via email, and social media.

At Loras College, the students are sent an email every Friday from Molly Burrows who

provides all students, faculty and staff information about the COVID rates on campus, and in

the Dubuque community. Last year, when they provided vaccinations on campus, this is where

the information was. Molly would often send reminders days in advance to remind students. On

the Loras College home page there is a link that says “COVID19 Campus Updates and

Communication.” When you click on that link there is an additional link that provides you with

all the vaccination information you’d need as a student, faculty or staff member.

With so many ways to find information now a days, from a plethora of locations, there

are a lot of false statistics out there. With something so one sided and a lot of people having

strong opinion you hear a lot of different sides of it. It is important to read more into what you

see and not believing the headline that is provided.

Methodology

Research Method and Design

We are interested in studying ways to entice people to get the COVID vaccine in order to more

people vaccination so we would be able to get things back to normal as soon as possible.

Questions that need to be answered:

1. What is preventing people from getting the vaccine?

2. What kind of incentives have worked, and proved to get people to get vaccinated?

3. How are colleges, businesses, and states doing things the same or different?

pg. 11
 What are the things colleges, businesses, and states doing that are the same and different?

4. What incentives can be the most effective?

5. What can be some reasons why people don’t offer out incentives?

Rational and Objective

It is clear that having incentives for people to get the vaccines is not all that convincing.

If you already have a set opinion on not getting the vaccine, you more than likely are not going

to get it either way. This opinion can be based on many different factors. For example, you can

be listening to a politician, you may not trust the science behind it, you may not think you have

access to a shot, or you are simply not aware that you can get one.

One of the main reasons that people are not willing to get the vaccine, and not to have

their opinion switched due to an incentive is because they are listening to their politicians. We

have seen some very loud-mouthed politicians who are very anti-vaccine and have told people

to not receive any shot. However, on the flip side of that, some politicians can make it

mandatory for people to get the shot, and if they don’t they could see consequences. Recently

Joe Biden and the administration intuited a law that said if you have over 100 people in your

workplace, everyone must be vaccinated. If they still choose not to, they would have to be

tested every week. In colleges, we have also seen a mandate that students must be vaccinated

to be on campus. As of October 11, 2021, we have seen over 1,000 colleges and universities

make this a mandate for their students.

Another big reason people are not getting the vaccines is that they simply don’t know

enough about it, or how to get it. No, we are not talking about that we don’t know enough

pg. 12
about the vaccine and what it does to our body. These are people who are in less economically

rich areas than the rest. They simply do not have the necessary tools, such as the newspaper,

phones, T.V, or computer to do extensive research like the others. We end up seeing that

lower-income neighborhoods, as a result, do have a lower percentage of those who are

vaccinated. Another reason we can see this is because they may not have a ride to get to the

clinic to receive a shot. However, Lyft is now offering people free rides to get a vaccine shot.

This is one incentive that is very low in charge and can help out in the long run.

We do have statistics that show how receiving the vaccine can lower your risk of getting

the disease by 91%. At Loras College, we are a private catholic school that follows the Catholic

Social Teaching meaning that we do things to help and protect others. With this disease at such

a high transmission rate, it is only right to help those who are more at risk. We have seen that

college-age kids 18-22 are those who are least likely to see a major effect from the disease.

However, you never know who you’re going to run into at the store, or if you go home to your

parents or grandparents. It is important to know how it affects everyone as a whole, and not

just yourself. Since masks were first mandated, we didn’t see too much off a drop-off (before

vaccines were available). During the summer months, we saw a lift of mask mandates and rules.

Since September, we have seen the mask mandate back in some states. Although it is

impossible to know, the majority of people are not following this. We are now seeing more

spikes show up in those states. Not only are we back to wearing masks, but there is also a

slowdown in people receiving the vaccine.

Survey Rationale

pg. 13
 While conducting my survey, the questionnaire was sent out to various ages and genders

of Loras College located in Dubuque, Iowa. Everyone who took the survey was at lease over the

age of 18, and the rest of their identity was classified. The survey tried to gather as much

information as possible, ranging from how the get their news, to how much they know about

COVID-19, all the way to if they believe incentives to the vaccine is a good way to get people to

get the shot. The survey even took it to whether or not the individual has received the vaccine.

Again, this was an anonymous survey so they did not provide any information that could be able

to bounce back onto them for later research.

While conducting the survey, a proposed the question to the individual about how they

receive their news about COVID-19. Listed were six possible options for them to answer,

allowing them to choose more than one option. They were also provided an option for them to

write in their own answer. Not to any surprise, there were 22 (81.5% of the responses) that

choose that it comes from social media. The one issue with this is that you can get very biased,

and one side of the news that’s out there. This still connects to the second highest choice which

happened to be the internet with 18 (66.7%) responses. Again, you have to be careful and look

into what you are reading and inure that you know what source you are evaluating. The next

highest option was they get their news from friend or family with 15 (55.6%) of votes. This

option allows for more of a conversation that can be started between two people. It allows for

pg. 14
two people to know what the other side is thinking about and how they can work around it. The

results were not too surprising by the data that was gathered from this specific question. As many

college students are constantly on social media, the internet, or discussing these issues with their

friends and or family.

One data point that was the most mixed came from the question, of “Everyone who is

capable should receive the COVID-19 vaccine” as stated on the survey. This is the issue that we

are still continuing to see as the COVID-19 pandemic is coming up on its two-year anniversary

as it first reached the United States in January of 2020. Although, we did see that primarily of the

answers did appear to be on the agree side of everyone should get it if possible. This means that

15 (55.6%) of the people believe that it should be given to the majority of the population. Next 7

(25.9%) believe the saying of it’s your body, your choice. Lastly, 5 (18.5%) possess a neutral

saying on this question. With this data, you can make an inference that at least 15 of the people

that took my survey are vaccinated. And it would appear that at least two or three of the neutral

induvial are as well, but don’t feel as strongly as other.

pg. 15
 Based on the last question, thre was a follow up question that asked if they would be

willing to let me know if they are vaccinated or not. There was not an option of “prefer not to

say” in case they did not want to say exactly their vaccination status. There was one individual

who did provide the option of they preferred not to say. As hypothesized in the previous

question, the findings showed what was expected. Of those of took my survey, there were 18

individuals who were fully vaccinated and got it pretty much as soon as possible. Which means

that the remaining 8, or 29.6% of those who took it were not vaccinated. This is important

information to know that the majority of people who took the survey believed that peoples

should get the shot if possible. There was another addition to this question as well. The survey

takers asked if they response with prefer not to say, if they could provide a reason why. We did

get once response from that individual. They believed that getting the shot is a personal medical

choice, and that there is not enough research behind the vaccine and there are still a lot of

unknowns.

Moving on, we will now move on to the incentives part of this survey. One question that

was proposed asked what incentives would make getting the shot more inevitable so you would

be willing to get it. One thing that was clear was that it is a lot more quick and automatic return

on investment. The two most popular votes, both with 13 was a guaranteed $10, and also a gift

card. As this was proposed to college students, were not surprised that they would want the quick

rate of return. There results also showed 11 people who said that incentives will have no effect.

As now reviewing this again, this answer could have been taken two ways. Some people said

this, because they are not willing to get the vaccine no matter the price or what they might get in

return. Or on the flip side, people who want to get the vaccine, incentives will have no effect as

they would get it for nothing in return. With another question that relates states that they would

pg. 16
be more likely to get a shot if an incentive was present. Just about half of the individuals would

agree that this to be true. Meaning that if these companies really want to get more people

vaccinated they should consider providing some sort of incentives to get a many people as

possible.

As pointed out from before, 17 of the respondents have said agreed to acknowledge that

they are fully vaccinated. And as science has stated, if you are not getting vaccinated, the best

way to end this pandemic is to wear a mask. Of the ten other respondent, only two say they are

rarely, or never willing to wear a mask while in public when a mask is mandated. It is still

positive to see that 5 people will be willing to no matter what, with another 3 who say they will

sometimes wear it. Meaning, if they are directed or if it is a strong mandate in the place they’re

at.

Interview Rationale

During the processes of the interviews, five total individuals were asked eight different

question. These questions ranged from a lot of things across the horizon of COVID-19 and

vaccines. One thing that needs to be stated, was one person that was interviewed, and you will

often see me talk about a health concern that does not allow him to receive the vaccines. They

were willing to share that his father passed away from myocarditis, which is an enlarged heart

pg. 17
with an irregular heartbeat. Unfortunately, he is also showing signs of this, so multiple doctors

have told him to stay away from the vaccines.

The common theme that we saw how the interviewees determined “fake news” was that

there must be multiple sources that say the same thing. People have different ways of getting

their information, whether it’s social media, television, medical experts, or family/friends. There

has to be proof that it has been scientifically proven, and relayed to the public truthfully. As we

know, the news about COVID is forever changing. And when we have news about the vaccine it

will be all over the news. The news goes for whether it bad or good news.

As my data looked at college students who are often in different states, which means

different mandates. A proposed question that was asked referred to how they found out the

mandates back in into their home state. These interviews were conducted in late November as

students were planning their trips back home for their holiday breaks. The majority of my

interviewees say that they will most likely check with people who they live with back home. All

of them will be going back to Illinois, where there is a stricter mask mandate (than Dubuque,

Iowa) at the time of publishing this article.

As we have been seeing, certain companies are highly encouraging, or making the vaccine

mandatory for their employees. So, we were wondering how my interviewees would handle this

situation if they had to had their dream job, and was forced with this scenario. Overall, it seems

that all who would be able to get the vaccine, not because of a medical reason, they would get it.

It would have to be the perfect job for them. We have seen new mandates that businesses have to

get their employees to receive the shot in order to keep them around. If my interviewees were a

part of their dream company, they would not sacrifice their future for a vaccine that has the

potential to save lives.

pg. 18
 Each person has their own opinion on whether the vaccine will be effective, or whether it

could possibly a governmental scam to some people. One question that was proposed relates to

whether or not someone close to the interviewees highly suggested that they get the shot. Two of

the interviewees had friends’ parents say that they will not be able to hang out until they are

vaccinated. When it comes to family, no one felt forced by the people in their household. During

the interview process, a few of them admitted to being student-athletes at their college. So, they

were asked if it would be worth it, if they didn’t have to wear a mask while playing their sports.

All the athletes said that would not a factor. They had to do it all last year, so one more year

would not make a difference.

Next, the question that they were asked to answer was whether or not any type of incentive

would make them more likely to get the vaccine. These responses were the ones that surprised

me the most. As my survey showed, it appeared that incentives would work to get college

students the vaccine. However, when you get a whole group of people who you know are

unvaccinated, they say that no incentive would convince them.

One way that governmental businesses, and scientists say are the best ways to get through the

pandemic (other than the vaccine) is to wear masks while in public areas. The only time that

these individuals are willing to wear one is when they are required by the location that they’re in.

If it is not mandated, you will more than likely not see them wearing one. From what they said, it

can be tough to know what places require masks to be worn. Again, this can be very different

from store to store, and state to state, when the students leave campus. It more than likely will be

a shock when they go back to Illinois and see that every store requires it.

Finally, the common theme that we see is that my interviewees have an uncertainty of the

vaccine. Despite the fact that there is science that proves that it is completely safe and there has

pg. 19
been little to no side effects shown. It’s not just what they are worried about now, but more for

the future and troubles it may cause in the far future.

Recommendations

It will be interesting to see how different the world will be in a few months, when it comes to

COVID-19, and vaccines. Especially as new mandates are coming out for businesses ensuring

that their employees get vaccinated and also for a new wave of college students enter in the fall

of 2022. One thing that will be a deciding factor and have a big say, will be the presidential

election in 2024. Now, we all hope that we are not dealing with COVID-19 by then, but it is ever

changing. One thing that has been talked about, nothing has been official at the time of writing

this, but will we need boosters every year or so. If so, this will be something to compare to the

research in this document. The question that may arise form that, is will people be content with

the two doses they received, or will they be receiving the booster each year (if suggested)? It

would also be interesting to compare if those who were hesitant to get the first shot, if there is

any correlation to them not wanting the booster on top of it?

pg. 20
 Appendices

SWOT Chart

Strengths Weaknesses
What do you do well? What could you improve?
What unique resources can you draw on? Where do you have fewer resources than others? What
What do others see as your strengths? are others likely to see as weaknesses?
“CDC COVID-19 Study Shows mRNA Vaccines Reduce One thing that can be a weakness is that people who
Risk of Infection by 91 Percent for Fully Vaccinated are not willing to get the vaccine appear to have very
People” is the title of the article that discusses how strong beliefs against it and will take a lot for them to
effect the vaccine has been as of June 7th. Although receive at least one dose. Although there is not one
vaccines cannot fully protect those who are answer of who is not willing to get it, which makes it
vaccinated, it can make your symptoms weaker. As of harder to advertise to that population. As of
Mid-June, 53% of the population was vaccinated. The September 23rd, 23% of those eligible were not yet
Biden administration came to an agreement to give vaccinated. A survey that the New York Times
free childcare to parents who needed to receive the conducted consisted of those who have not been
vaccine, or recovering from the effects. Mayors, vaccinated yet. These results showed that more
governors, and various businesses are offering people have zero interest in ever getting the vaccine,
incentives to their employees such as lottery tickets, as opposed to eventually being persuaded. Majority
free hunting and fishing license, and also free food of these people say that they are too healthy, and not
and drink discounts (goodrx). The best part of the at any sort of risk of the vaccine affecting them any
incentives that they offer is that the vaccine is free. worse than the vaccine itself. In the same survey, a
So, what you are will be receiving is completely quote from a 25-year-old landscaper said “My
beneficial to you. The best part is that you will be immune system could fight it.” The most popular
helping protect the public. results that was ultimately found was that the main
One strength that is available at Loras College is that reason (53% of those surveyed), said they don’t want
we value “Catholic Social Teaching.” Involved in this, the vaccine because they are worried about the side
is the following of 5 pillars consisting of; truth, effect it may cause. Another 40% and 37% don’t
respect, responsibility, excellence and service. All of want it due to they are wanting to see if it’s safe and
these can connect back to how we should care of don’t fully trust the vaccines, respectively. A month
about other, and care about the most vulnerable. before this article was published (no data on when
How does this connect back to people getting the survey was conducted) the Pfizer vaccine became the
th
vaccine? On February 7 , 2021 the mask mandate first one to become FDA approved.
was lifted in the state of Iowa, for those who were
vaccinated. Without having an obvious way to tell if

pg. 21
 people truly are, we have to have trust in those
without masks truly are vaccinated. On the flip side
of that, the City Council of Dubuque has reinstated
the mask mandate on September 7th. Although there
is no way to know how many people are following
that, it is expected that majority people are not. We
can see this based on the increasing number of
positivity rates in Dubuque. In the past 7 days
Dubuque has had a transmission level of 11.84%
(according to transmission rate CDC). It is proven that
the age most at risk is those 65 plus (baring no health
complications). With this being a well-known fact,
94% of the population over the age of 65 have
received at least one dose. When 77.5% of the
population 18-64 have received one dose (CDC Covid
Date Tracker). It is very important for those who are
not at as strong of a risk to still protect those who
are.
Opportunities Threats
What opportunities are open to you? What What threats could harm you? What
trends could you take advantage of? is your competition doing?
How can you turn your strengths into opportunities? What threats do your weaknesses expose you to?
One opportunity that we have around campus for One thing that could hurt this theory is that there are
students to know what is going around campus is the millions of people who are already vaccinated. So,
school newspaper, The Lorian. According to the head with this being said, any sort of incentives would not
editor, they print approximately 600-800 copies to be include those people. As of July 1st, there were over
distributed around campus. The copies get placed at 100 million people whom have already got the
the entrance of each building and campus and even vaccine. So, those who are considered “late-
distributed throughout building too. Once the vaccine adaptors” are the only ones who would be rewarded.
was available to the age population of college NEJM gave the example that if 60% of the adult
students, the Loras health department partnered population was fully vaccinated, and they offered
with local clinics which came on campus. They had $100 for the other 40% to get the vaccine. However,
variety of doses available depending on your if they were to give it to everyone, including those
preferences. This also wasn’t a one-time thing. They who have already gotten it, the price would rise
had tales set up at least twice a moth during times (NEJM). At the time, they were predicting that a
students are most available (common-time) on booster was going to be needed down the road. They
Wednesday morning into afternoon. One of the best also did predict that these boosters will need more
things that has been done for college kids, and incentives. Even more so than the original shot. Now
everyone in general is that every vaccine free. As we that scientists are saying that we will need a booster,
all know, college kids are all very well aware how this will be a factor to see how things play out. This
they spend their income, and receiving the vaccine will be especially important at universities and
doesn’t need to be a worry. As Sciences, Engineering schools as winter is coming, and this is the time of
and Medicine describes those in their teens and early year where people tend to get sick.

pg. 22
 20’s wants different things than those in the 40’s. As
colleges and universities are able to know what can
entice college students, can be important in getting
that age population to buy in.

PEST Chart

Strengths Weaknesses
What do you do well? What could you improve?
What unique resources can you draw on? Where do you have fewer resources than others? What
What do others see as your strengths? are others likely to see as weaknesses?
“CDC COVID-19 Study Shows mRNA Vaccines Reduce One thing that can be a weakness is that people who
Risk of Infection by 91 Percent for Fully Vaccinated are not willing to get the vaccine appear to have very
People” is the title of the article that discusses how strong beliefs against it and will take a lot for them to
effect the vaccine has been as of June 7th. Although receive at least one dose. Although there is not one
vaccines cannot fully protect those who are answer of who is not willing to get it, which makes it
vaccinated, it can make your symptoms weaker. As of harder to advertise to that population. As of
Mid-June, 53% of the population was vaccinated. The September 23rd, 23% of those eligible were not yet
Biden administration came to an agreement to give vaccinated. A survey that the New York Times
free childcare to parents who needed to receive the conducted consisted of those who have not been
vaccine, or recovering from the effects. Mayors, vaccinated yet. These results showed that more
governors, and various businesses are offering people have zero interest in ever getting the vaccine,
incentives to their employees such as lottery tickets, as opposed to eventually being persuaded. Majority
free hunting and fishing license, and also free food of these people say that they are too healthy, and not
and drink discounts (goodrx). The best part of the at any sort of risk of the vaccine affecting them any
incentives that they offer is that the vaccine is free. worse than the vaccine itself. In the same survey, a
So, what you are will be receiving is completely quote from a 25-year-old landscaper said “My
beneficial to you. The best part is that you will be immune system could fight it.” The most popular
helping protect the public. results that was ultimately found was that the main
One strength that is available at Loras College is that reason (53% of those surveyed), said they don’t want
we value “Catholic Social Teaching.” Involved in this, the vaccine because they are worried about the side
is the following of 5 pillars consisting of; truth, effect it may cause. Another 40% and 37% don’t
respect, responsibility, excellence and service. All of want it due to they are wanting to see if it’s safe and
these can connect back to how we should care of don’t fully trust the vaccines, respectively. A month
about other, and care about the most vulnerable. before this article was published (no data on when
How does this connect back to people getting the survey was conducted) the Pfizer vaccine became the
th
vaccine? On February 7 , 2021 the mask mandate first one to become FDA approved.
was lifted in the state of Iowa, for those who were
vaccinated. Without having an obvious way to tell if
people truly are, we have to have trust in those
without masks truly are vaccinated. On the flip side
of that, the City Council of Dubuque has reinstated
the mask mandate on September 7th. Although there

pg. 23
 is no way to know hoe many people are following
that, it is expected that majority people are not. We
can see this based on the increasing number of
positivity rates in Dubuque. In the past 7 days
Dubuque has had a transmission level of 11.84%
(according to transmission rate CDC). It is proven that
the age most at risk is those 65 plus (baring no health
complications). With this being a well-known fact,
94% of the population over the age of 65 have
received at least one dose. When 77.5% of the
population 18-64 have received one dose (CDC Covid
Date Tracker). It is very important for those who are
not at as strong of a risk to still protect those who
are.
Opportunities Threats
What opportunities are open to you? What What threats could harm you? What
trends could you take advantage of? is your competition doing?
How can you turn your strengths into opportunities? What threats do your weaknesses expose you to?
One opportunity that we have around campus for One thing that could hurt this theory is that there are
students to know what is going around campus is the millions of people who are already vaccinated. So,
school newspaper, The Loraian. According to the with this being said, any sort of incentives would not
head editor, they print approximately 600-800 copies include those people. As of July 1st, there were over
to be distributed around campus. The copies get 100 million people whom have already got the
placed at the entrance of each building and campus vaccine. So, those who are considered “late-
and even distributed throughout building too. Once adaptors” are the only ones who would be rewarded.
the vaccine was available to the age population of NEJM gave the example that if 60% of the adult
college students, the Loras health department population was fully vaccinated, and they offered
partnered with local clinics which came on campus. $100 for the other 40% to get the vaccine. However,
They had variety of doses available depending on if they were to give it to everyone, including those
your preferences. This also wasn’t a one-time thing. who have already gotten it, the price would rise
They had tales set up at least twice a moth during (NEJM). At the time, they were predicting that a
times students are most available (common-time) on booster was going to be needed down the road. They
Wednesday morning into afternoon. One of the best also did predict that these boosters will need more
things that has been done for college kids, and incentives. Even more so than the original shot. Now
everyone in general is that every vaccine free. As we that scientists are saying that we will need a booster,
all know, college kids are all very well aware how this will be a factor to see how things play out. This
they spend their income, and receiving the vaccine will be especially important at universities and
doesn’t need to be a worry. As Sciences, Engineering schools as winter is coming, and this is the time of
and Medicine describes those in their teens and early year where people tend to get sick.
20’s wants different things than those in the 40’s. As
colleges and universities are able to know what can
entice college students, can be important in getting
that age population to buy in.

pg. 24
 Complete List of Research Questions
1) How do you get your news about COVID-19 news? (you may select more than one)

o T.V

o Radio

o Newspaper

o Social Media

o Friends/Family

o Internet

o Other (please explain) ____

2) Loras College has the same COVID restrictions and mandates as my home state?

Never Rarely Sometimes Fairly Often Almost Always

3) Everyone who is capable should receive the COVID-19 vaccine?

Strongly Disagree Disagree Neutral Agree Strongly Agree

pg. 25
 4) Companies should have the right to make vaccines mandatory

Strongly Disagree Agree Neutral Agree Strongly Agree

5) Are you eligible to receive the COVID-19 Vaccine?

Yes No

6) Have you received your COVID vaccine shot since it was first available?

Yes No Prefer Not to Say

7) If you choose “Prefer Not to Say” on the previous question, could you please explain why?

pg. 26
 Explain: ________

8) How many people in your household are vaccinated?

1-2, 3-5, 6-9, More than 10

9) On a scale of 1-10, how likely would you have been willing to pay to receive the vaccine.

(1 being I would not pay. 10 being I would pay anything.)

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10

10) I think that incentives are a good way to get people vaccinated

Strongly Disagree Neutral Agree Strongly Agree

pg. 27
 11) I would get a shot if an incentive was present.

Strongly Disagree Disagree Neutral Agree Strongly Agree

12) What incentives will make you more willing to get the vaccine? (you may select more than

one)

o Lottery Ticket

o Put into a large cash jackpot

o Guaranteed $10

o Gift Card

o Incentives will have no effect

o Other (please explain) _____

13) If you are not willing to get the vaccine, are willing to wear a mask when required?

pg. 28
 Never Rarely Sometimes Fairly Often Almost Always I am vaccinated

Complete List of Interview Questions

1. From a topic that has so many opinions, how would you decipher from what is “fake

news” or what are facts.

2. How do you hear about breaking news from news covid-19 from where you are living

now (Loras College) and where your home town is?

3. Hypothetically, you had your dream job, and that company were to say you need to get

the vaccine, or we’ll fire you. Are you willing to get the shot for that?

4. Has anyone close to you try and persuade you into getting it? If so, how do you tell them

‘no?’

5. Would any sort of incentive have an effect into you getting the vaccine?

6. How often do you decide to wear a mask while out in public? What makes you wear

one, versus not wearing one?

7. Is there one person, whether a politician, athletes, or celebrity that you look up to as

someone who doesn’t believe in vaccines?

8. What are the unknowns if the vaccine that you may not trust?

Notes from Interview(s)

Interview Questions

pg. 29
 1. From a topic that has so many opinions, how would you decipher from what is “fake news” or
what are facts.
 Decided not listen to one source. Take in various outlets. People were radically choosing
and not reaching out to different outlets.
What types of outlets do you get info from?
 Social media
 TV
 Friends/family
2. How do you hear about breaking news from news covid-19 from where you are living now
(Loras College) and where your home town is?
 In Illinois and high school, it was easier when it started. Had administration
 Harder in Iowa because in school you have to have it, but in stores you don’t and can
vary place to place.
 Can deal with political parties
 When he goes home, he’ll wear it when in public
3. Hypothetically, you had your dream job, and that company were to say you need to get the
vaccine, or we’ll fire you. Are you willing to get the shot for that?
 Tough question, because “I’d do anything to have the job.” Don’t want to hear any
negative impacts and depend on the consequences. Wouldn’t get it just for an
internship. Would have to deal with the pay
4. Has anyone close to you try and persuade you into getting it? If so, how do you tell them ‘no?’
 Family he lives with are mixed in their status. Mom says whatever you want to do, do it.
Hasn’t felt forced by anyone.
When coach said “if we hit a percentage of vaxxed did it make you think?
 No. Had to already deal with practicing in it.
5. Would any sort of incentive have an effect into you getting the vaccine?
 No, would have to be sizeable amount, doesn’t mean much to me.
6. How often do you decide to wear a mask while out in public? What makes you wear one, versus
not wearing one?
 If he sees people wearing one, he’d be more willing. On campus he is willing to wear one
since it’s mandatory. If theirs an option to wear one or not, he probably isn’t.
7. Is there one person, whether a politician, athletes, or celebrity that you look up to as someone
who doesn’t believe in vaccines?
 No, can be a bad thing. They don’t know you, or base it off of someone. Doesn’t agree
someone like Kyrie should’ve made it as big as he did
8. What are the unknowns if the vaccine that you may not trust?
 What he’s heard about the negatives scared him, and rather be more on the safe side.
And wait to hear “there isn’t any issue. Any negative news is bad news. Didn’t get the
vaccine because he can bounce back from it. More chance to beat the sickness than the
vaccine.

Interview Questions

pg. 30
 1. From a topic that has so many opinions, how would you decipher from what is “fake news” or
what are facts.
 Compare resources, and self-research
 Family in the medical field
2. How do you hear about breaking news from news covid-19 from where you are living now
(Loras College) and where your home town is?
 Get information from mother, who still lives in Elgin and in school system so she knows
all the regulations
3. Hypothetically, you had your dream job, and that company were to say you need to get the
vaccine, or we’ll fire you. Are you willing to get the shot for that?
 Dream job, IT operator at Life Fitness
 He would be able to get medical exemption and would argue that he has a legitimate
reason
4. Has anyone close to you try and persuade you into getting it? If so, how do you tell them ‘no?’
 Not has had anyone close to him say that and everyone knows
5. Would any sort of incentive have an effect into you getting the vaccine?
 Nothing effects his decision
6. How often do you decide to wear a mask while out in public? What makes you wear one, versus
not wearing one?
 If inside he will wear one, but if it is not required he will not wear one
7. Is there one person, whether a politician, athletes, or celebrity that you look up to as someone
who doesn’t believe in vaccines?
 It is an individual right, but yet there is a public health concern. It is very personal, “your
body your choice”
8. What are the unknowns if the vaccine that you may not trust?
 Has medical issues who has had a dad who passed away from enlarged heart and he has
shown symptoms of myocarditis and have pre-markers

Interview Questions
1. From a topic that has so many opinions, how would you decipher from what is “fake news” or
what are facts.
 Has to be corroborated by 3 or 4 sources citing same courses
 Outside critique that may show ant bias towards it
2. How do you hear about breaking news from news covid-19 from where you are living now
(Loras College) and where your home town is?
 When I get there watching local news. Watch ABC7 and not sure in WI
3. Hypothetically, you had your dream job, and that company were to say you need to get the
vaccine, or we’ll fire you. Are you willing to get the shot for that?
 Working as an aerodynamicist in F-1
 Willing to get the vaccine. Will have to get it if he gets the dream job
4. Has anyone close to you try and persuade you into getting it? If so, how do you tell them ‘no?’
 Has had friends whose parents were strict and wouldn’t hang out
 Explained how he had it, so he had anti bodies and hadn’t come in contact
Coach having mandate?
 Practicing with masks would not persuade

pg. 31
  If it was play or get it, would be a deep convo, and send it anti-body test
5. Would any sort of incentive have an effect into you getting the vaccine?
 No, when he sees monetary compensation, it won’t do what they say it does
6. How often do you decide to wear a mask while out in public? What makes you wear one, versus
not wearing one?
 In ideal place he wouldn’t wear one. So, in classes, or walking to class.
 Never wear one in public stores. Only in class and cafe
7. Is there one person, whether a politician, athletes, or celebrity that you look up to as someone
who doesn’t believe in vaccines?
 Florida Gov. Ron D, and he has been a big supporter and support choice.
 Numbers coming from his state claims its better
8. What are the unknowns if the vaccine that you may not trust?
 No long-term data so far, heart and cardiac problems
 Adverse effect that has been discovered from previous vaccines
 Would rather get the virus and be healthy
 First time using mRNA as the first time may affect DNA

Interview Questions

1.       From a topic that has so many opinions, how would you decipher what is “fake news” or what are
facts

 For me, I don’t look into politics or fake news much to begin with. I personally would wait until
there is documented proof for something happening in relation to covid. 

2.       How do you hear about breaking news from news covid-19 from where you are living now (Loras
College) and where your home town is?

 I get most of my information from social media activists that I follow or from emails from my
school. I’m originally from Geneseo, Il. 

3.       Hypothetically, you had your dream job, and that company was to say you need to get the vaccine,
or we’ll fire you. Are you willing to get the shot for that?

 I definitely would, if all of that was on the line. I wouldn’t risk my future because of a vaccine
shot. 

4.       Has anyone close to you try and persuade you into getting it? If so, how do you tell them ‘no?’

 Yes, some people close to me have asked me to get it. They are persistent at times, asking every
few days if I am planning on getting the vaccine, but I simply say that I may in the future. 

5.       Would any sort of incentive have an effect into you getting the vaccine?

 If i received money for it, then most likely because I am not. College student life takes a lot of
money. 

pg. 32
6.       How often do you decide to wear a mask while out in public? What makes you wear one, versus
not wearing one?

 I wear a mask every other day in public to ensure other peoples’ comfortability. Especially in big
stores and places of tight spaces. 

7.       Is there one person, whether a politician, athletes, or celebrity that you look up to as someone
who doesn’t believe in vaccines?

 I’m actually not too sure of this. I feel like most of the people I follow have actually widely
supported the vaccine, and probably helped get more people to receive it. 

8.       What are the unknowns if the vaccine that you may not trust?

 The unknowns are the after effects of this untested vaccine. It’s scary that we do not know the
full effect that it may have on the body or mind.

pg. 33
 Citations

(1): Parrott, Sharon. “Tracking the COVID-19 Economy's Effects on Food, Housing, and
Employment Hardships.” Tracking the COVID-19 Economy’s Effects on Food, Housing,
and Employment Hardships, Center on Budget and Policy Priorities, 10 Nov. 2021,

(2): Volpp, Kevin G., et al. “Incentives for Immunity - Strategies for Increasing Covid-19
Vaccine Uptake: Nejm.” Incentives for Immunity — Strategies for Increasing Covid-19
Vaccine Uptake, The New England Journalism of Medicine, 1 July 2021,

(3): Boston University School of Medicine. "Lottery-based incentives do not increase COVID-19
vaccination rates, study finds." ScienceDaily. ScienceDaily, 2 July 2021.

(4): Dey, Sneha. “From Free Pizza to Free Tuition, Colleges Try Everything to Get Students
Vaccinated.” From Free Pizza To Free Tuition, Colleges Try Everything To Get Students
Vaccinated, NPR, 12 Aug. 2021,

(5): Delfino, Devon. “Incentives for Covid-19 Vaccination: Food, Cash, & Other Perks.”
Incentives for COVID-19 Vaccination: Food, Cash, & Other Perks, GoodRx, 24 June
2021,

(6): “CDC Covid Data Tracker.” COVID-19 Vaccinations in the United States, Centers for
Disease Control and Prevention, 2021,

(7): “Fact Sheet: Biden Administration Mobilizes to Protect Workers and Communities from
Extreme Heat.” The White House, The United States Government, 19 Sept. 2021,

(8): Herman, Bob. Most Unvaccinated People Have Low Incomes, Axios, 12 July 2021,

pg. 34
pg. 35