An online poll has found that two thirds of Atlantic Canadians surveyed in November 2020 plan on getting the COVID-19 vaccine when it’s available to them.
The poll, which was conducted by MQO Research, asked 1,145 Atlantic Canadians about how likely they are to get the vaccine. The sample was statistically weighted to be representative of the population.
The results suggest a significant decline in vaccine intention compared to a similar poll the company conducted in May 2020. At the time, 74 per cent of participants said they plan to get vaccinated. None of the vaccine candidates had been assessed for safety and efficacy in May.
The number of participants who said they don’t know if they’re getting the vaccine or not has increased by seven points since May, suggesting more people are becoming hesitant.
“In May, a safe vaccine didn’t exist, so the idea of having to make a decision about vaccination was still abstract,” said Lianne Sarson, vice-president of research and engagement at MQO Research, in a news release.
“Although there are a lot of variables at play, it’s possible that when news started rolling in that effective vaccines were around the corner, the decision to take the vaccine, or not take the vaccine, started to become a real choice for people.”
Atlantic Canada COVID-19 Poll – The Number of Atlantic Canadians Who Intend to Get the COVID-19 Vaccine Has Dropped Significantly Since Last Spring. #nlpoli #cdnpoli pic.twitter.com/trMj4mreP5
— MQO Research (@MQOResearch) January 27, 2021
Transparency required to address hesitancy
Since the early days of the pandemic there have been numerous surveys looking at people’s willingness to get the COVID-19 vaccine when it becomes available. Results have suggested time and again that not everyone would get the vaccine.
Christine Lackner, an assistant professor of psychology at Mount St. Vincent University, spoke with SaltWire Network about vaccine hesitancy in July last year. She said some of the reasons surrounding people’s hesitance to get the vaccine include the spread of misinformation and the lack of trust in the scientific process of vaccine development.
When combatting vaccine hesitancy, she said transparency about the research behind vaccines and a public health campaign that dispels misinformation are essential. That would help people understand the benefits and risks of the vaccine.
The Nova Scotia government has rolled out a couple of videos on different social media platforms that answer some questions surrounding the vaccine. One of the videos, which answers the question of what’s inside the vaccine, can be found on the government’s Twitter and Instagram accounts @nsgov.
Myth: We don't know what's in these vaccines.
— Nova Scotia Gov. (@nsgov) January 27, 2021
Fact: Actually, we do!
This is #COVID19 Myth-Busters for Nova Scotia (with @DalhousieHealth).
For more information about Nova Scotia's COVID-19 immunization plan, go to https://t.co/H5uHW72Qrr.#COVID19ExplainedNS @DalMedSchool pic.twitter.com/MS5HkRwoVQ
COVID-19 vaccines safe, governments say
In an emailed statement, the Nova Scotia Department of Health and Wellness said they understand the initial hesitancy surrounding new vaccines, but vaccines are the best defence against diseases such as COVID-19.
“We can assure Nova Scotians that the approved COVID-19 vaccines are safe,” said Marla MacInnis, a spokesperson with the department.
“Vaccines not only help protect you from viruses and bacteria that cause illnesses, but they also protect everyone around you. The more people in a community who are vaccinated and protected from COVID-19, the harder it is for the virus to spread.”
MacInnis added that Health Canada wouldn’t approve a vaccine if it weren’t supported by robust scientific data.
“Canada is recognized around the world for high standards for vaccine review, approvals and monitoring systems,” she said. “We would encourage Nova Scotians to get vaccinated when it is their turn.”
Dr. Janice Fitzgerald, Newfoundland and Labrador’s chief medical officer of health, urged people to get the COVID-19 vaccine in Wednesday’s video briefing. The province has five known active cases of the disease.
“I think when we’re in a situation where we have low case counts and things, people maybe think they don’t have as much to worry about and that they may want to wait,” she said.
“But I think what people need to understand is that this vaccine is safe. It’s been approved through the same rigorous protocols that all vaccines have been approved through.”
MQO Research will be polling Atlantic Canadians on vaccinations again in February.
