COVID-19 Current Events Tracker (CET)

ASPA COVID-19 PUBLIC EDUCATION CAMPAIGN
A campaign to increase vaccine acceptance and reinforce basic prevention measures

CET – Annotated Questionnaire (Wave 87)
Note: The questions below are the proposed questions for the 87th wave of the Weekly
Current Events Tracker (CET). Questions highlighted in yellow will be asked every week;
questions highlighted in blue will be rotated into the survey on a monthly basis; and questions
highlighted in green are meant to be asked in this wave only or are being asked again to
update data on a variable of interest.
For the next section we would like to talk about current events.
// Page Break //
//BASE: All respondents//
Item #: Q1
Question Type: Single punch
// Soft Prompt: “We would like your response to this question.” //
beh1_cet_r: Have you received a COVID-19 vaccine?
Variable Label: beh1_cet_r: Vaccination behavior
Value
Value Label
0
No, I have not received a
COVID-19 vaccine
1
Yes, but I have only received
one shot out of the two
required shots
2
Yes, I have received all of the
required shots
-99
Refused
// Page Break //
//BASE: beh1_cet_r=1 or 2//
Item #: Q2
Question Type: Single punch
// Soft Prompt: “We would like your response to this question.” //
vaccine_id: Which COVID-19 vaccine did you receive?
Variable Label: vaccine_id: Vaccine ID
Value
Value Label
2
Johnson & Johnson/Janssen
3
Moderna
4
Pfizer-BioNTech
6
Novavax
5
Other
99
I do not remember

For internal communications only

-99
-100

Refused
Valid skip

// Page Break //
//BASE: beh1_cet_r=2 //
Item #: Q3
Question Type: Single punch grid
// Soft Prompt: “We would like your response to this question.” //
booster_uptake7: U.S. health officials and medical experts now recommend additional COVID19 doses after the initial vaccine series (two doses of Pfizer, Moderna, or Novavax; or one dose
of Johnson & Johnson).
Boosters are additional doses you may have received after your initial series. Boosters were
available from August 2021 to the end of August 2022.
Updated vaccines are COVID-19 vaccines reformulated to better target Omicron variants,
sometimes called “updated boosters” or “bivalent boosters.” Updated vaccines became
available in early September 2022.
Have you received a COVID-19 vaccine booster or updated vaccine?
Variable Name
booster_uptake7_1

booster_uptake7_2

Value
0
1
-99
-100

Variable Text
I have received one or more booster
dose(s) (available August 2021August 2022)
I have received an updated vaccine
(available starting September 2022)

Variable Label
booster_uptake7_1: Booster

booster_uptake7_2:
Updated vaccine

Value Label
No
Yes
Refused
Valid skip

// Page Break //
//BASE: beh1_cet_r=2//
Item #: Q4
Question Type: Dropdown menu
// Soft Prompt: “We would like your response to this question.” //
last_dose: Approximately when did you receive your most recent COVID-19 vaccine, booster,
or updated vaccine dose? If you do not remember the exact date, give your best guess.
Variable Label: last_dose: Date of most recent dose

2

Participants select date from range: December 1, 2020 to present
// Page Break //
//BASE: beh1_cet_r=2 and last_dose before September 1, 2022 //
Item #: Q5
Question Type: Single punch
// Soft Prompt: “We would like your response to this question.” //
booster_likely_v4: What is the likelihood that you will get an updated COVID-19 vaccine?
Variable Label: booster_likely_v4: updated vaccine uptake likelihood
Value
Value Label
1
Very unlikely
2
Somewhat unlikely
3
Neither likely nor unlikely
4
Somewhat likely
5
Very likely
-99
Refused
-100
Valid skip
// Page Break //
//BASE: beh1_cet_r=2 and last_dose before September 1, 2022 //
Item #: Q6
Question Type: Single punch
// Soft Prompt: “We would like your response to this question.” //
boost_when: How soon will you get an updated COVID-19 vaccine?
Variable Label: boost_when: Wait to get vaccinated
Value
Value Label
1
I will get an updated vaccine as soon as I can
2
I will wait to get an updated vaccine for one or more reasons
3
I will never get an updated vaccine
-99
Refused
-100
Valid Skip
// Page Break //
//BASE: beh1_cet_r=0 OR -99//
Item #: Q7
Question Type: Single punch
// Soft Prompt: “We would like your response to this question.” //
beh2a_cet: What is the likelihood that you will get a COVID-19 vaccine?
Variable Label: beh2a: Intention to get vaccinated
Value
Value Label

3

1
2
3
4
5
-99
-100

Very unlikely
Somewhat unlikely
Neither likely nor unlikely
Somewhat likely
Very likely
Refused
Valid Skip

// Page Break //
//BASE: beh1_cet_r=0 OR -99//
Item #: Q8
Question Type: Single punch
// Soft Prompt: “We would like your response to this question.” //
beh3a_cet_r: How soon will you get vaccinated?
Variable Label: beh3a_cet_r: Wait to get vaccinated
Value
Value Label
1
I will get a vaccine as soon as I can
2
I will wait to get a vaccine for one or more reasons
3
I will never get a COVID-19 vaccine
-99
Refused
-100
Valid Skip
// Page Break //
//BASE: beh1_cet_r=2//
Item #: Q9
Question Type: Multi punch
// Soft Prompt: “We would like your response to this question.” //
vax_effect2: What side effects, if any, did you experience after receiving your initial series of
COVID vaccines (two doses of Pfizer, Moderna, or Novavax; or one dose of Johnson &
Johnson)?
Select all that apply.
//PROGRAMMING NOTE: randomize variables //
Value Value Label
1
I did not experience any side effects [EXCLUSIVE] [ANCHOR]
2
Pain, redness, or swelling at the injection site
3
Tiredness or fatigue
4
Headache
5
Muscle pain
6
Fever

4

7
8
9
10
-99

Chills
Nausea
Allergic reaction
Other – please describe [TEXT ENTRY] [ANCHOR]
Refused

// Page Break //
//BASE: beh1_cet_r=2 AND vax_effects =/= 1 OR -99//
Item #: Q10
Question Type: Single punch
// Soft Prompt: “We would like your response to this question.” //
vax_severity: You indicated that you experienced side effects after receiving your COVID
vaccine. How would you describe the severity of the side effects you experienced?
Variable Label: Perceived severity of vaccine side effects
Value   Value Label  
1  
Mild
2  
Moderate
3  
Severe
98
I don’t remember
-99  
Refused  
// Page Break //
//BASE: All respondents//  
Item #: Q11
Question Type: Single punch grid 
// Soft Prompt: “We would like your response to this question.” //  
covid_risk: When it comes to getting sick with COVID-19, how concerned are you personally
about each of the following?
//PROGRAMMING NOTE: randomize variables //  
Variable Name   Variable Text  
covid_risk_1
Developing short-term COVID symptoms.
covid_risk_2
Developing long-term COVID symptoms. 
covid_risk_3
Being hospitalized because of COVID.   
covid_risk_4
Dying because of COVID. 
covid_risk_5
Infecting family or friends with COVID.  

Value   Value Label  

Variable Label  
covid_risk_1: Short term symptoms   
covid_risk_2: Long term symptoms  
covid_risk_3: Hospitalization 
covid_risk_4: Death 
covid_risk_5: Infecting others  

5

1  
2  
3  
4   
-99  

Not at all concerned  
Slightly concerned  
Moderately concerned  
Very concerned  
Refused  

// Page Break //
//BASE: All respondents//
Item #: Q12
Question Type: Single punch grid
// Soft Prompt: “We would like your response to this question.” //
testing2: COVID tests fall into two categories: Rapid tests (such as antigen tests) give results in
a few minutes, and can be at-home tests or tests given at a pharmacy or other location.
Laboratory tests (such as PCR tests) can also be taken at home or given at a pharmacy or other
location, but must be sent to a laboratory to determine the results and it often takes a few days
to receive results.
In the last month, have you…
Variable Name
testing2_1
testing2_2

Variable Text
Taken a rapid test for COVID
Taken a laboratory test for COVID

Variable Label
testing2_1: Took rapid test
testing2_2: Took laboratory test

Value
0
1
2

Value Label
No, I have not taken this kind of test in the last month
Yes, and I tested negative for COVID
Yes, and I tested positive for COVID

-99

Refused

// Page Break //
//BASE: testing2_1 or testing2_2 = 1 or 2 //
Item #: Q13
Question Type: Multi punch
// Soft Prompt: “We would like your response to this question.” //
testing_why: You indicated that you took a rapid or laboratory test for COVID in the last month.
Why did you take a COVID test?
Please select all that apply.

6

// PROGRAMMING NOTE: randomize variables //
Value Value Label
1
I was experiencing symptoms I thought might be from COVID
2
I took a test before traveling to make sure I didn’t have COVID
3
I took a test before gathering with others to make sure I didn’t have COVID
4
I was required to take a test for work, school, travel, or another reason
5
I was exposed to someone who had COVID
6
Other (please specify) [TEXT ENTRY] [ANCHOR]
-99
Refused
-100 Valid skip
// Page Break //
//BASE: All respondents//
Item #: Q14
Question Type: Single punch grid
// Soft Prompt: “We would like your response to this question.” //
hol_concern: Thinking about the upcoming holidays, how concerned are you about each of the
following impacting your plans?
Variable Name
hol_concern_1
hol_concern_2
hol_concern_3
Value
1
2
3
4
-99

Variable Text
COVID
Flu
Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV)

Variable Label
hol_concern_1: COVID
hol_concern_2: Flu
hol_concern_3: RSV

Value Label
Not at all concerned
Slightly concerned
Moderately concerned
Very concerned
Refused

// Page Break //
//BASE: All respondents//
Item #: Q15
Question Type: Single punch
// Soft Prompt: “We would like your response to this question.” //
hol_people: Thinking about the upcoming winter holidays, who will you spend the holidays
with?

7

Variable Label: hol_people: Who they’re spending the holidays with.
Value
Value Label
1
With just household members
2
With a small number of people outside your household
3
With a large number of people outside your household
98
Don’t know
99
Not applicable – do not celebrate or will not gather with others
-99
Refused
// Page Break //
//BASE: All respondents//
Item #: Q16
Question Type: Single punch grid
// Soft Prompt: “We would like your response to this question.” //
hol_risks: To the best of your knowledge, are any of the people you are going to see for the
holidays…
// PROGRAMMING NOTE: randomize variables //
Variable Name
Variable Text
hol_risks_1
Not vaccinated against COVID
hol_risks_2
Being more strict about COVID safety than
you
hol_risks_3
Being less strict about COVID safety than
you
hol_risks_4
Considered to be high risk for severe
outcomes from COVID
Value
0
1
98
-99

Variable Label
hol_risks_1: Unvaccinated
hol_risks_2: More strict
hol_risks_3: Less strict
hol_risks_4: High risk

Value Label
No
Yes
Don’t know
Refused

// Page Break //
//BASE: All respondents//
Item #: Q17-18
Question Type: Single punch grid
// Soft Prompt: “We would like your response to this question.”//
hol_plans: Thinking about the upcoming holiday season, do you plan to do any of the
following?

8

//PROGRAMMING NOTE: RANDOMIZE variables in grid //
Variable Name Variable Text
hol_plans_1
Wear a mask at gatherings
hol_plans_2
Ask others to wear a mask at gatherings
hol_plans_3
Take a COVID test (PCR or rapid) before
attending gatherings
hol_plans_4
Ask others to take a COVID test (PCR or
rapid) before attending gatherings
hol_plans_5
Check local COVID case counts to inform
decisions around gatherings (for example,
taking extra precautions when case counts
are high)
hol_plans_6
Stay at home if you experience COVID
symptoms
hol_plans_7
Keep gatherings smaller or shorter than
usual
hol_plans_8
Hold gatherings outdoors
hol_plans_9
Make changes to improve ventilation (for
example, open doors and windows, run
HVAC systems, install high-quality air
filters)
hol_plans_10
Check CDC and/or local guidance for
updated information about gathering safely
hol_plans_12
Travel by car
hol_plans_13
Travel by plane
hol_plans_14
Get an updated vaccine (also known as an
updated booster) before gathering with
others [ONLY SHOW IF
(booster_uptake7_1=1 OR
booster_uptake7_2=1) AND last_dose
<9/1/22]
Value
1
2
3
4
5
-99

Variable Label
hol_plans_1: Mask
hol_plans_2: Others mask
hol_plans_3: Test
hol_plans_4: Others test
hol_plans_5: Case counts

hol_plans_6: Experience
symptoms
hol_plans_7: Shorten
gatherings
hol_plans_8: Gather outdoors
hol_plans_9: Improve
ventilation

hol_plans_10: Check
guidance
hol_plans_12: Car travel
hol_plans_13: Plane travel
hol_plans_14: Get updated
vaccine

Value Label
Very unlikely
Somewhat unlikely
Neither likely nor unlikely
Somewhat likely
Very likely
Refused

// Page Break //

9

//BASE: All respondents///
Item #: Q19-20
Question Type: Single punch grid
// Soft Prompt: “We would like your response to this question.” //
surge: If there was a surge in COVID-19 cases, how likely would you be to do each of the
following?
//PROGRAMMING NOTE: randomize variables in grid//
Variable Name Value Label
Variable Label
surge_1
Wear a mask in indoor public places.
surge_1: Wear a mask
surge_2
Social distance.
surge_2: Social distance
surge_3
Wash hands frequently.
surge_3: Wash hands
surge_4
Get a COVID-19 vaccine [ONLY SHOW IF
surge_4: Get vaccinated
beh1_cet_r=0 OR -99].
surge_6
Take COVID-19 antiviral pills if infected.
surge_6: Take antivirals
surge_7
Isolate if infected with COVID-19.
surge_7: Isolate if infected
surge_8
Quarantine if exposed to COVID-19.
surge_8: Quarantine if exposed
surge_11
Get an updated COVID-19 vaccine. [ONLY surge_11: Get updated vaccine
SHOW IF (booster_uptake7_1=1 OR
booster_uptake7_2=1) AND last_dose
<9/1/22]
Value
1
2
3
4
5
-99
-100

Value Label
Very unlikely
Somewhat unlikely
Neither likely nor unlikely
Somewhat likely
Very likely
Refused
Valid Skip

// Page Break //
// PROGRAMMING NOTE: RANDOMIZE ORDER OF FOLLOWING QUESTIONS //
//BASE: All respondents//
Item #: Q21
Question Type: Single punch grid
// Soft Prompt: “We would like your response to this question.”// 
ptn_w87_1: We are interested in your opinion of a few messages about COVID-19.
For the below message, please indicate how much you agree or disagree with the following
statements:
Ask your doctor about treatment for COVID, even if your symptoms feel mild.

10

Variable Name   Variable Text  
I would share the information in the message with a
ptn_w87_share_1 friend or family member who wants to know more
about COVID-19 treatments.
ptn_w87_motiv_1 This message is a convincing reason to seek
treatment if I test positive for COVID-19.
ptn_w87_diff_1 This message was difficult to understand.
ptn_w87_believ_1 This message was believable.

Value  
1  
2
3
4
5  
-99

Variable Label  
ptn_w87_share_1:
Would share
message
ptn_w87_effect_1:
Reason to get vax
ptn_w87_diff_1:
Difficult to understand
ptn_w87_believ_1:
Believable

Value Label
Strongly disagree  
Disagree
Neither agree nor disagree  
Agree
Strongly agree  
Refused

// Page Break //
//BASE: All respondents//
Item #: Q22
Question Type: Single punch grid 
// Soft Prompt: “We would like your response to this question.”// 
ptn_w87_2: We are interested in your opinion of a few messages about COVID-19.
For the below message, please indicate how much you agree or disagree with the following
statements:
Treatment for COVID must start within a few days of your first symptoms.
Variable Name  

Variable Text  
I would share the information in the message with a
ptn_w87_share_2 friend or family member who wants to know more
about COVID-19 treatments.
ptn_w87_motiv_2 This message is a convincing reason to seek
treatment if I test positive for COVID-19.
ptn_w87_diff_2
This message was difficult to understand.
ptn_w87_believ_2 This message was believable.

Variable Label  
ptn_w87_share_2:
Would share
message
ptn_w87_effect_2:
Reason to get vax
ptn_w87_diff_2:
Difficult to understand
ptn_w87_believ_2:
Believable

11

Value  
1  
2
3
4
5  
-99

Value Label  
Strongly disagree  
Disagree
Neither agree nor disagree  
Agree
Strongly agree  
Refused

// Page Break //
//BASE: All respondents//
Item #: Q23
Question Type: Single punch grid 
// Soft Prompt: “We would like your response to this question.”// 
ptn_w87_3: We are interested in your opinion of a few messages about COVID-19.
For the below message, please indicate how much you agree or disagree with the following
statements:
If you have chronic health issues like diabetes, heart disease, or lung disease, your risk
of hospitalization and death from COVID is higher.
Variable Name  

Variable Text  
I would share the information in the message with a
ptn_w87_share_3 friend or family member who wants to know more
about COVID-19 treatments.
ptn_w87_motiv_3 This message is a convincing reason to seek
treatment if I test positive for COVID-19.
ptn_w87_diff_3
This message was difficult to understand.
ptn_w87_believ_3 This message was believable.

Value  
1  
2
3
4
5  
-99

Variable Label  
ptn_w87_share_3:
Would share
message
ptn_w87_effect_3:
Reason to get vax
ptn_w87_diff_3:
Difficult to understand
ptn_w87_believ_3:
Believable

Value Label  
Strongly disagree  
Disagree
Neither agree nor disagree  
Agree
Strongly agree  
Refused

12

// Page Break //
//BASE: All respondents//
Item #: Q24
Question Type: Single punch grid 
// Soft Prompt: “We would like your response to this question.”// 
ptn_w87_4: We are interested in your opinion of a few messages about COVID-19.
For the below message, please indicate how much you agree or disagree with the following
statements:
Updated vaccines protect against both the original COVID virus and Omicron.
Variable Name  

Variable Text  
I would share the information in the message with a
ptn_w87_share_4 friend or family member who wants to know more
about COVID-19 vaccines.
ptn_w87_motiv_4 This message is a convincing reason to get an
updated COVID-19 vaccine.
ptn_w87_diff_4
This message was difficult to understand.
ptn_w87_believ_4 This message was believable.

Value  
1  
2
3
4
5  
-99

Variable Label  
ptn_w87_share_4:
Would share
message
ptn_w87_effect_4:
Reason to get vax
ptn_w87_diff_4:
Difficult to understand
ptn_w87_believ_4:
Believable

Value Label  
Strongly disagree  
Disagree
Neither agree nor disagree  
Agree
Strongly agree  
Refused

// Page Break //
//BASE: All respondents//
Item #: Q25
Question Type: Single punch grid 
// Soft Prompt: “We would like your response to this question.”// 
ptn_w87_5: We are interested in your opinion of a few messages about COVID-19.
For the below message, please indicate how much you agree or disagree with the following
statements:

13

You can treat mild COVID at home if you’re under 50 and otherwise healthy.
Variable Name  

Variable Text  
I would share the information in the message with a
ptn_w87_share_5 friend or family member who wants to know more
about COVID-19 treatments.
ptn_w87_motiv_5 This message is a convincing reason to seek
treatment if I test positive for COVID-19.
ptn_w87_diff_5
This message was difficult to understand.
ptn_w87_believ_5 This message was believable.

Value  
1  
2
3
4
5  
-99

Variable Label  
ptn_w87_share_5:
Would share
message
ptn_w87_effect_5:
Reason to get vax
ptn_w87_diff_5:
Difficult to understand
ptn_w87_believ_5:
Believable

Value Label  
Strongly disagree  
Disagree
Neither agree nor disagree  
Agree
Strongly agree  
Refused

14