Australians look forward to introduction of COVID-19 vaccine

With the news this week that the UK has become the first western country to formally approve a COVID-19 vaccine for safe mass distribution to its population, data collected over time by YouGov - the international data and polling company - shows that Australians overwhelmingly would choose to be vaccinated if it was proven to be safe.

In August this year when news of various vaccine breakthroughs started, almost two thirds of Australians said that they would get a COVID-19 vaccine if it was proven to be effective (65%), with a further quarter saying that they might get the vaccine (25%). Just one in 10 Australians said in August that they would refuse a safe vaccine (10%).

Those over 65 were most likely to say that they would definitely get a safe vaccine (78%), and a further 17% said that they might opt for one. Younger Australians such as those aged 18-24 (60%) were slightly less sure if they would get vaccinated. However, 31% of this age group said that they might, reflecting the generally higher risk of COVID-19 among older people.

YouGov data also shows that Australians would be broadly comfortable adapting to new norms in future with access to safe and effective COVID-19 vaccines. Last month, YouGov asked Australians their views on whether airline passengers should have to demonstrate proof of vaccination before being allowed on international flights in future, as suggested by some in the aviation industry. Just over three quarters of Australians agreed (76%).

Commenting on the findings, YouGov’s General Manager - Australia, Laura Robbie stated “YouGov’s data over time shows that Australians are comfortable with the idea of both having a safe COVID-19 vaccine and adjusting to life with it.

“2021 will be another extraordinary year where we’ll see millions of people around the world vaccinated and it will be important for both governments and businesses to measure how this may impact people’s attitudes and commercial behaviours.”

The data cited in this article was collected between 20th and 24th August and 26th and 30th November 2020 by YouGov - the international data and polling company. These polls were based on a nationally representative samples of 1,052 and 1,043 Australian residents aged 18 years and over respectively.

Image: Professor Tony Cunningham AO undertakes COVID-19 research at world-leading medical research institute, The Westmead Institute for Medical Research (WIMR).