The number of Americans who say they won't get a COVID shot hasn't budged in a year

West Hansen's role is to inform people of the government benefits and services they can access, including the coronavirus vaccine. But many of his clients distrust the needle. (John Burnett)

West Hansen pilots his muddy Subaru through the industrial landscape of Southeast Texas where he grew up — past Bible churches, donut shops and the silver industrial towers of the refineries. The longtime social worker says he's given up trying to explain to his clients how safe the COVID-19 vaccines are.

"I've grown weary of it," he says. "I've realized that there's no convincing somebody once they have their mind made up."