A rapid national assessment of COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy in the United States was conducted using a community-based sample of 1,878 adults. The study found that 22% of participants were hesitant to get a COVID-19 vaccine. Vaccine hesitancy was higher among African-Americans (34%), Hispanics (29%), individuals with children at home (25%), rural dwellers (29%), people in the northeastern U.S. (25%), and Republicans (29%). Factors associated with vaccine hesitancy included lower education, income, and perceived threat of infection. Multiple regression analysis showed that sex, education, employment, income, having children at home, political affiliation, and perceived threat were significant predictors of vaccine hesitancy. The study highlights the need for evidence-based communication, mass media strategies, and policy measures to address vaccine hesitancy. Racial and ethnic minorities, individuals in rural areas, and those with lower incomes and education levels were more likely to be hesitant. The study also found that unemployed individuals had lower odds of vaccine hesitancy, which contrasts with some previous findings. Sex-based differences were also observed, with females and those with children at home showing higher hesitancy. Political affiliation and perceived threat of infection were strong predictors of vaccine hesitancy, reflecting the polarized sociopolitical climate in the U.S. The study underscores the importance of culturally competent strategies, transparent communication, and addressing concerns about vaccine safety and efficacy to promote widespread immunization. Policymakers must develop policies to ensure equitable access to vaccines, particularly for disadvantaged populations. Despite limitations, the study provides valuable insights into the factors influencing vaccine hesitancy and the need for targeted interventions to achieve successful mass immunization.A rapid national assessment of COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy in the United States was conducted using a community-based sample of 1,878 adults. The study found that 22% of participants were hesitant to get a COVID-19 vaccine. Vaccine hesitancy was higher among African-Americans (34%), Hispanics (29%), individuals with children at home (25%), rural dwellers (29%), people in the northeastern U.S. (25%), and Republicans (29%). Factors associated with vaccine hesitancy included lower education, income, and perceived threat of infection. Multiple regression analysis showed that sex, education, employment, income, having children at home, political affiliation, and perceived threat were significant predictors of vaccine hesitancy. The study highlights the need for evidence-based communication, mass media strategies, and policy measures to address vaccine hesitancy. Racial and ethnic minorities, individuals in rural areas, and those with lower incomes and education levels were more likely to be hesitant. The study also found that unemployed individuals had lower odds of vaccine hesitancy, which contrasts with some previous findings. Sex-based differences were also observed, with females and those with children at home showing higher hesitancy. Political affiliation and perceived threat of infection were strong predictors of vaccine hesitancy, reflecting the polarized sociopolitical climate in the U.S. The study underscores the importance of culturally competent strategies, transparent communication, and addressing concerns about vaccine safety and efficacy to promote widespread immunization. Policymakers must develop policies to ensure equitable access to vaccines, particularly for disadvantaged populations. Despite limitations, the study provides valuable insights into the factors influencing vaccine hesitancy and the need for targeted interventions to achieve successful mass immunization.