Only half of Britons would definitely get the coronavirus vaccine

[Redolent]

Only half the population of Britain definitely would accept being vaccinated against Covid-19. That is the shock conclusion of a group of scientists and pollsters who have found that only 53% of a test group of citizens said they would be certain or very likely to allow themselves to be given a vaccine against the disease if one becomes available.

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By contrast, one in six (16%) said they would definitely not or would be unlikely to accept a vaccine, according to research by King’s College London and Ipsos Mori. In addition, it was found that one in five (20%) said they would only be “fairly likely” to go ahead with inoculation.

The study found vaccine rejection was strongest among those whose beliefs reflect greater scepticism about science and who are less concerned about the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic. Likely refusal was also linked to those who tended to be less willing to wear face masks and who said they got most of their information about the disease from WhatsApp and other social media outlets.

There was also a significant age divide in responses with 22% of those in the 16-24 and 25-34 age groups saying they would be unlikely or definitely would not accept a vaccine compared with only 11% among 55-75 year-olds.

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The trends revealed by the study – which was based on 2,237 interviews with UK residents aged 16-75 and which was carried out online in mid-July – have triggered dismay among scientists. “Misperceptions about vaccines are among our most directly damaging beliefs, and they’re clearly influencing people’s intentions during the coronavirus crisis,” said prof Bobby Duffy, director of King’s College London’s the Policy Institute, which led the study.

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“While one in six in the UK say they are unlikely to or definitely won’t get a potential vaccine against Covid-19, this rises to around a third or more among certain groups, with a clear link to belief in conspiracy theories and mistrust of government, authority and science.”

This point was backed by Gideon Skinner, research director at Ipsos Mori. “Almost a quarter of 16-34-year-olds are saying they’re unlikely to get vaccinated for Covid-19 if one becomes available. That is deeply concerning and should serve as an important staging post for the government to combat misperceptions about vaccinations, particularly among young people.”

www.theguardian.com/world/2020/aug/09/only-half-of-britons-would-definitely-have-covid-19-vaccination

Why would you need testing first though, surely a vaccine is a way of prevention, you don't have to have what you're getting the vaccination for?

Because vaccines have unrelated risks to the actual virus, if you're already "immune" (and a vaccine or a case will give you the same immunity) then you purely have the risk without any reward.

So that is why it's normal to test before giving vaccines in the situations where you're likely to have already had a virus. Doesn't happen with childhood vaccinations of course because it's extremely unlikely that you've had the disease without knowing.

The problem of course is that there is no remotely reliable antibody test yet, so that's not going to work - but then there's no vaccine either.

I filled in a survey about this a few months ago, and hesitated between the "definitely get a vaccine" and "probably get a vaccine" options. I think I said probably.

At the time, the options for vaccines were wide open, and my trust in the government was very low. Would I take the Oxford vaccine? Almost certainly. Would I take a vaccine the government rushed in from elsewhere to hit some unrealistic target? Probably not.

If I was answering it now, in light of good news from various trials, I would say yes.

I would get the risk groups to get it first and if it seems safe I would take it.

So, I will definitely have it as soon as offered (increased risk group) and I’m trying to work out why I need to care about other people choosing not to have it. There are two possible reasons:-

1. I would feel sorry for someone who chose not to have the vaccine, then went on to catch Covid and suffer long term effects or die. But, you know, adults can make their own choices.

2. I would feel angry on behalf of those unable to be vaccinated, or children whose parents chose not to vaccinate them, who then went on to catch Covid and be seriously ill/die, because of someone else’s choice.

If any of those people were close to me, those feelings would of course be magnified.

I think 53 is a pretty positive number for a vaccine that isn't even out yet.
I think the numbers will change when it's out and being widely used.

I would but I can see the hesitation. My sister will only get it if it is developed in the UK but even then would rather wait a while. The risk/reward thing will stop a lot of people wanting it. The virus has a low death rate and most people will be fine, a seemingly rushed virus presents a higher perception of risk for a lot of people so a strong, informative, logical campaign which makes people trust those telling us to have it will be needed - and that wont happen.

If they say vaccines are necessary to access education, work and health care then we would see a quick change in attitudes. Compulsory vaccinations for education were being considered before this so I can definitely see it as a possibility

Incredibly selfish. My elderly DM can’t have the vaccine as she is likely to react badly. So she is reliant on everyone else getting it. As I am sure are many others.

@tootyfruitypickle

Incredibly selfish. My elderly DM can’t have the vaccine as she is likely to react badly. So she is reliant on everyone else getting it. As I am sure are many others.

Whilst I'll likely get the vaccine I dont consider it selfish for those not getting in.

Those having the vaccine could also react badly so I'm not sure why you'd see it as somebody's else's responsibility to take that risk for your DM.

Full vaccination levels aren't needed for herd immunity anyway and theres lots your DM could do alongside partial vaccine levels to make it safer for herself.

Vaccinations are for the good of everyone. Healthy people who can be vaccinated should absolutely have them, no question.

Except given the low levels of trust in the government there are questions to be asked. Recalling test kits due to safety, not using ppe purchased due to safety. Decisions that were rushed that have been found to be unsafe. Its impossible for these vaccines to go through all the normal rigours of testing. That alone doesnt mean they will be unsafe but does raise questions that need answering.

Attempting to force people to have a vaccine is counterproductive and will just create resistance and opposition, especially if you tell people it's just to look after some random persons relative (no offense!)

What we need is good, clear and simple communication from the government about the vaccine that is chosen and the trials/testing that has taken place so that people can make the choice to have it.

I can’t wait to have a vaccine and get back to normal. It’s exciting! Am very happy for all those who are unsure to get to the back of the queue

I have a flu vaccine every year and I tolerate that well. But it is a well established vaccine process.

I didn't get on with the pneumonia vaccine, and I won't have that again. I was very ill afterwards. Slept for 24 hours, and had health issues for a year after. But everyone denied it was related to the vaccine.

There have been some bad mistakes with vaccines in the past. With the express delivery of this one, I would be hesitant to be first in line. But I can afford to isolate. Many can't.

I may wait and see if there are any really bad side effects.

@tootyfruitypickle

Vaccinations are for the good of everyone. Healthy people who can be vaccinated should absolutely have them, no question.

Completely agree.

All 3 of my DC are key workers (how??!) and 2 will have to get jabbed for work, anyway. Which is fine.

I am tired of being told what to do. I am generally very pro-vacc but intend to say no to this one because I CAN. I will sign a form now disallowing me for any treatment for covid if it makes you even happier to especially hate me for daring to express any autonomy over my own body.