07-11-2020
Covid-19

Indians are the keenest on getting vaccinated whenever a COVID-19 vaccine is available, even as people in 10 out of 15 countries showed a growing reluctance about getting vaccinated, according to a global survey.

In the World Economic Forum/Ipsos survey of 18,526 adults from 15 countries, 73% said they would get a COVID-19 vaccine if available, down from 77% in August. While vaccination intent has remained unchanged at 87% in India since August, it has declined in 10 of the 15 countries surveyed, most of all in China, Australia, Spain, and Brazil.

Globally, the two main reasons for not wanting to get a COVID-19 vaccine are concerns about side effects (cited by 34%) and concerns about clinical trials moving too fast (cited by another 33%). In India also, 34% respondents said they are worried about side effects, while 16% are concerned about fast-moving trials.

Besides, one in ten persons globally said they are against vaccines in general (19% in India), while another 10% said they don't think a vaccine will be effective (14% in India), and 8% cited a low risk of getting COVID-19 (14% in India), as per the survey.

The World Economic Forum (WEF) said the latest survey has shown a growing reluctance to receive a vaccine, despite progress made by numerous pharmaceutical companies working on vaccine trials and international organisations like the World Health Organization (WHO), Gavi and CEPI working to ensure any future solution is available for those most in need.

The survey also asked the respondents how soon after a vaccine becomes available would they get one.