Indians Still Keen, As Other Countries Show Drop In Intent Towards Covid-19 Vaccination

There is growing reluctance towards a COVID-19 vaccine among people across the world. Indians, however, still remain keen on getting vaccinated against the novel Coronavirus disease, says a new global study.

A survey of more than 18,000 adults from 15 countries was conducted by Ipsos in partnership with the World Economic Forum. As per the findings, 73% of the respondents said they would get a vaccine for COVID-19 when it is available. Ipsos highlights that this is a 4% drop than the responses recorded three months earlier. People, thus, are inculcating a drop in intention to get vaccinated against the disease.

Citing the results, the report by Ipsos mentions that the intentions to get vaccinated have dropped in 10 of 15 countries since August. Most of this loss of intent was observed in China, Australia, Spain and Brazil.

(Representative Image: Reuters)

The report even states two specific reasons for this loss in interest to get vaccinated. One, people are concerned about the possible side effects of vaccines. Second, and adding to that, is the fact that the development of these vaccines and their clinical trials are being conducted at an accelerated rate. One-third of those against getting a vaccine cited each of these reasons.

Arnaud Bernaert, Head of Shaping the Future of Health and Healthcare at the World Economic Forum, explained the drawback of this loss of intent. He said, ¡°This drop in vaccine confidence is a remarkable and sad trend as we edge closer to a possible vaccine roll-out. The numbers are significant enough to compromise the effectiveness of a Covid-19 vaccine to manage the disease and to see an end to the cycle of new lockdowns and restrictions¡±

He suggested that ¡°It is critical that governments and the private sector come together to build trust in the next steps¡± and to inform the people that a vaccine would ¡°make a difference¡± when ready.

India still keen

(Representative Image: Reuters)

While the countries mentioned above experienced a drop in an intent to get a vaccine, responses from India remained unchanged. Since August, 87% of the people surveyed from across the country want to get vaccinated when it is available.

Along with the intent to get a Covid-19 vaccine shot, people in India are also among the most optimistic ones for a vaccine¡¯s early arrival. The report mentions that ¡°at least one in four adults expect a vaccine to be available by the end of the year,¡± while half expect it by April 2021.

As for the after-availability scenario, 29% of the people surveyed in India expect to get vaccinated as soon as a vaccine is available. 54% anticipate that they will be able to get the vaccine shot within the next three months. A total of 82% expect the same by a year end from availability.