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Roughly 68% of Americans age 12 and up are now fully vaccinated against COVID-19. And now that federal regulators have cleared the Pfizer vaccine for children age 5 to 11, the number of people in this country who are immunized against the virus will only continue to climb.

But new data published in the journal Nature suggests that convincing vaccine holdouts could be difficult, if not impossible.

A detailed 36-question survey of more than 6,000 adults from across the United States found that 21% were unwilling to get vaccinated and among those, nearly half said that nothing would change their mind.

So what does vaccine hesitancy mean for the course of the pandemic, and what can we do about it? Heres what you need to know.

What Vaccine Hesitancy Means For Herd Immunity

For months now, epidemiologists and public health experts have been warning that national herd immunity meaning that a large enough portion of a community is immune to a disease, leaving it few places to spread is unlikely. Herd immunity does not mean a virus or disease is completely eliminated. Rather, its just contained and manageable, with smaller, local outbreaks possible from time to time.

The highly contagious delta variant has pushed the threshold of people who need to be vaccinated in order to achieve herd immunity higher and higher. Scientists initially believed that herd immunity might be achieved when 60 or 70% of the national population was vaccinated; now some believe 85% to 90% of a population in any given area may need to be immune to COVID either through a recent infection or vaccination though even that is a best guess.

Without herd immunity, COVID will likely become an endemic disease, like the flu. That means it will continue to be with us, but it will not disrupt daily life to the extent it has. Experts say well likely experience a return to relative normalcy. However, even then, the unvaccinated still could get very sick and die. One recent report found that the unvaccinated in Texas were 40 times more likely to die from COVID than the fully vaccinated.

The colder winter months will be a critical test of whether our current immunity levels are enough to stave off another surge or to prevent new variants from circulating. As Anthony Fauci, the nations top infectious disease expert, recently said: We can get through this if we really put a lot of effort into getting as many people vaccinated as we possibly can.

How To Talk To The Vaccine Entrenched

First, its important to note that the survey though published in early November was conducted last April, so its possible that peoples minds have changed since then. But it is also possible they have dug in more.

We know that the longer that people are hesitant, the longer they will continue to be hesitant. It becomes what we call a commitment consistency issue where the longer you say this is not something Im going to do, or this is something I disagree with, the more it becomes ingrained in your personality, said Rebecca Ortiz, who researches health communication and social marketing at Syracuse University.

However, Ortiz stressed that people who are vaccine hesitant are by no means a lost cause. And anecdotally, theres certainly evidence that vaccine holdouts can be convinced to roll up their sleeves. Recent data also suggests that one-third of people who were vaccine hesitant in late 2020 were willing to get vaccinated by early 2021.

Notably, the new survey found much as plenty of other data has at this point that people who hold conservative political views are more likely to be vaccine hesitant. The less we can turn this into a political conversation, the more we can talk to people about whats really holding them back, and whats really making them hesitant about this, Ortiz said.

Of course, changing the discourse is a complex problem. In one-on-one conversations with friends, family or acquaintances who are vaccine hesitant, the primary focus should be to make space for opposing views, Ortiz urged even if that feels challenging.

Its a tricky thing. We have to let people speak what it is thats holding them back. We have to give people space to process that, Ortiz said.

Eventually, by making space for them to express their concerns, you might be able to share information youve found and learned in a collaborative way. Ask what would make them feel more secure or comfortable about getting vaccinated, Ortiz said.

There are some people who will never change their minds about the COVID-19 vaccine, but experts are hopeful there are still holdouts who are hesitant but not dug in who can and will make a different decision. So its important to remain open, and to approach people with a mix of curiosity and facts, not judgement.

Experts are still learning about COVID-19. The information in this story is what was known or available as of publication, but guidance can change as scientists discover more about the virus. Please check the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention for the most updated recommendations.

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COVID Vaccine Holdouts Say Nothing Will Change Their Minds. Now What? - HuffPost

By 27, serial entrepreneur and CEO Steven Bartlett had created and grown his social media marketing company, Social Chain, to a valuation of more than 300 million. A university dropout, Bartlett cut his teeth running student events and an online messaging board called Wallpark before founding Social Chain, eventually stepping down as CEO to pursue opportunities in blockchain and biotech. He now runs a weekly podcast, The Diary Of A CEO, and in May was announced as the newest and youngest-ever Dragon on the BBC series Dragons Den. A vocal proponent of reskilling (consistently training employees in new digital skills to stay competitive), Bartlett is a Vodafone Business ambassador, working on a digital training initiative called Business Connected. He explained to GQ just how intensely the pandemic accelerated the need for entrepreneurs to develop new skills...

When did you start your first businesses?

I was born in Botswana and I came to the UK when I was about two years old. We werent a very well-off family... It was one of the key factors that I think shaped who I was. The other thing was that we had 1,500 kids in my school and my brothers and sisters and I were the only people of colour, per se. That makes you wonder why youre different and creates a desire to fit in.

At a young age, I learned that we didnt have things, but I really wanted them. You make this connection that if Im going to get things, whether its a nice pair of shoes or whatever, thats going to be a direct consequence of something that I do something that I sell or create. At the age of 15 or 16, I started my first businesses in and around school, using the students as my customers. By age 16, I was running pretty much all the school trips in my year group and I would take a cut of the money and give the rest to my school. I was doing all of our school parties. Then I started launching businesses on the internet at about 16 or 17.

You later cofounded Social Chain. Why did you choose a social marketing business?

I started a business called Wallpark when I dropped out of university. In trying to figure out how to get people to come to my website, I tried flyers, posters, all facets of traditional marketing, and none of them worked. One day, I saw a Facebook group called Things Manchester students dont say and 8,000 or 9,000 students were on there. I needed students to come to my website, so I met the guy who started the page [and] gave him 50 [for it]. I posted about Wallpark there and it was the most traffic Ive ever had.

I went and acquired every social media page I could and in doing that I realised its power very early. The channels I was acquiring were more valuable than the business I was building, so I dropped Wallpark off the side and my business became Social Chain: that chain of social media pages. I went in that direction very early, when a lot of brands didnt have social media pages. They thought it was a scary place, a dangerous place to be.

Read more here:
Steven Bartlett: If you want a successful business, you have to instil a culture of learning - British GQ

Lets face it, there are a lot of vendors in the cannabis industry and what is best today may not be what is best tomorrow. Selecting the right vendors can have a major impact on a dispensarys customers and the overall business. Therefore, conducting research beforehand is key to avoiding as much potential headache later on as possible.

In this post, we dive into a few of the general considerations Feel State takes into account when selecting vendors. While not a perfect system, it has helped us (and others) and taught us a few lessons along the way.

Company Ethos

Questions to Consider:Where do the vendors values lie? How does the vendortreat its employees? Do the employees like working for this vendor?

Items we Look For:Vendors with core values rooted in integrity, honesty, and transparency are preferred as those align with what Feel State believes in. An additional strong attribute are those who take care of their employees including empowering them to obtain personal and collective ownership over the business.

Relationship Management Style

Questions to Consider:How does the vendor conduct themselves over email, through text communication and/or in person? Are they professional? Do they seek to make a positive impact the cannabis industry or are they just looking for a quick sale by any means necessary?

Items we Look For:It cannot be stated enough, but operating with respect, warmth, and honesty should be the modus operandi. Vendors that demonstrate punctuality, transparency, and effective proactive communication are just some of the actions that convey these ethics. Since everyone has a preferred way of communicating (text, phone call, or email), vendors who work to establish a mutual understanding beforehand will help create a foundation for a long-term excellent business partnership. Additionally, it is preferred to work with those that look to positively serve the cannabis industry beyond merely selling their products.

Education Materials

Questions to Consider:Does the vendor provide educational materials about their company and products? Are they willing to send representatives to help educate patients and dispensary staff in person?

Items we Look For:The more information a vendor can provide, the better it is for all parties. Helping dispensary staff become knowledgeable about a product will provide additional benefit to the patient and to assist in selling the vendors product. Ideally, vendors will allow dispensary staff to attend facility tours, will come in and complete staff education training, and hold pop-up events to interface with patients while the shop is open.

Proficiency in Paperwork

Questions to Consider:Are they organized and prepared? Does the vendor have all of the necessary paperwork prepared for a transaction?

Items we Look For:In a highly regulated industry where everything is tracked, this is a very important topic. To help mitigate potential problems, we will provide vendors a list of the documentation required for them to have either before or upon time of intake. This traditionally includes an invoice, test results, a one-sheet on growing practices/product information, and sometimes branding materials/logos for promotions.

Insurance

Questions to Consider:Does the vendor have product liability insurance?

Items we Look For:Product liability insurance for a vendor is an absolute must. In the case of a consumer purchasing product from the dispensary and having a negative experience that leads to an accident/injury, this helps protect the dispensary and the vendor in the case of additional action.

Branding

Question to Consider:Will the branding appeal to a wide range of customerdemographics?

Items we Look For:Prefer branding that will appeal to a wide audience. High end branding communicates high quality. And high quality products are a cornerstone of a reputable dispensary.

Social/Marketing Presence

Questions to Consider:Does the vendor have a large presence on social media or other online channels? Can the vendor help drive people to the dispensary?

Items we Look For:This is incredibly important in establishing an identity to the outside world, thus helping one stand out, convey their mission, and attract traffic to the dispensary. We seek to utilize vendors whos branding and marketing strategy complement that of Feel State.

Read more:
Forming vendor relationships in the cannabis industry Greenway Magazine - Greenway

Want to know the key product trends that are set to gain significant traction this holiday season?

Google has today published its annual Holiday 100 list, which highlights product searches that are predicted to trend the most on Google in the US during the holiday season, based on rising search activity over recent months.

As explained by Google:

This years Holiday 100 reflects the realities many of us are still living in. Home equipment like coffee makers and fitness gear continue to make the list. But were also seeing more items that suggest people are getting out more, like fragrances and beauty products.

As you can see here, the listing is fairly basic, but it outlines the key info that you need, based on rising search interest, which could help you both find the best gifts for your family and friends, while also better aligning your own marketing approach.

As Google notes perfumes and colognes are trending higher than in years past, while tech products will also be a popular inclusion beneath the Christmas tree.

And unsurprisingly, gaming has also seen a big surge in interest as a result of the pandemic.

The added social dynamics of gaming will also play a role in the coming metaverse shift, with younger users, in particular, now much more aligned to engaging with friends in virtual environments, like Roblox and Fortnite, and via avatars that represent them in these spaces.

If you want a real vision of what a broader metaverse might be like, this is it, building on these applications with more utility and engagement options, and as younger consumers grow-up increasingly accustomed to connecting in this way, thats likely where developers will build from, in order to tie into these behaviors, and enhance appeal to the next generation of consumers.

Its definitely worth taking a look at Googles full Holiday 100 list, which, again, is a fairly basic overview, but may help you formulate a better idea of the key consumer trends, and inform your process.

You can check out the Google Holiday 100 list here.

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Google Shares Key Product Trends for the Holidays, Based on Google Search Volume - Social Media Today

Facebook is taking more steps to align with evolving privacy regulations by removing a swathe of detailed ad targeting options that relate to potentially problematic issues and causes.

As explained by Facebook:

Starting January 19, 2022 we will remove Detailed Targeting options that relate to topics people may perceive as sensitive, such as options referencing causes, organizations, or public figures that relate to health, race or ethnicity, political affiliation, religion, or sexual orientation.

In other words, you wont be able to target your ads based on topics like World Diabetes Day or other health causes, nor will you be able to hone in on elements related to sexual orientation, political beliefs, etc.

Which incorporates a wide range of targeting qualifiers, with Facebook noting that thousands of options will be removed.

For example, right now, when you look to target an audience interested in, say, politics, you have various affiliation-based topics to choose from.

Soon, many of those will be no more, which could have a big impact on cause-based marketers, political parties, healthcare brands, and many more.

It could also cause businesses that have made certain issues part of their brand messaging to change their approach. Various studies have shown that young consumers, in particular, are more likely to buy from brands that support causes and movements that they align with, and as such, those businesses have also been able to use this as a marketing angle to connect with these communities. The removal of these targeting elements could change things in this respect.

Though you will still have some capacity to target audiences based on similar parameters. Facebook says that brands will still be able to use Engagement Custom Audiences in order to reach people whove liked their Page, or Facebook users whove watched their videos, while youll also be able to use the same as the basis for Lookalike targeting, along with your own email lists.

So, really, targeting based on a lot of these categories will essentially still be available, just not in such a specific form, which will alleviate Facebook of any responsibility for any misuse of such targeting for unintended purpose.

So why the change?

Under the EUs more stringent consumer data protection laws (GDPR), Facebook technically cant legally target users based on these parameters without explicit consent from each individual. That law came into effect in 2018, and Facebook has been battling it ever since, but with the broader, global shift towards more privacy, and more data control for users, it seems Facebook has now opted to concede the point, and align with the more specific regulations on such.

Which makes sense, on various fronts, but its yet another gradual reduction in the platforms ad targeting options, which have already been reduced based on other potentially discriminatory factors.

There are still ways around such, and there are still other ways that Facebooks ads can be used in what would be considered discriminatory ways. But the removal of these specific ad qualifiers will ensure that the company meets its legal requirements, and avoids potential penalties.

Its essentially another reminder to build up your own first-party data, and gather info on your audience where you can, in order to establish your own focus lists, which you can then segment and target with more control, outside of the apps themselves.

Facebook says that existing ad sets with impacted targeting options will continue to run until Mar 17, 2022, though you may need to update your targeting selections at some stage. Facebook also says that it will provide alternative targeting recommendations within Ads Manager where possible.

See the article here:
Facebook Announces the Removal of Thousands of Ad Targeting Categories Relating to Sensitive Topics - Social Media Today