China’s public hesitant to take Covid-19 vaccines, another survey suggests
- In poll of medical and epidemic prevention workers in Zhejiang, fewer than half want emergency jab, and only a quarter say they will when available to all
- Coming after similar scepticism among Shanghai residents, it suggests ‘major hurdle for China to speed up vaccination’, expert says
The provincial disease control and prevention centre (CDC) in Zhejiang, neighbouring Shanghai, said its survey of health care and epidemic prevention workers found highly educated people and medical workers had low willingness to take a vaccine.
Released on Thursday, the figures suggested the country may face a challenge to inoculate enough people to achieve herd immunity.
Only 42 per cent of 756 health care and epidemic prevention workers surveyed said they would take the jab during the government-organised drive launched after some vaccines were approved for emergency use.
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Fewer still, only 28 per cent, said they were willing to get a shot of their own accord once the vaccines were on the market for all.
Most of those who were unwilling were worried about potential side-effects, said the study’s authors, who recommended more education about vaccines’ effectiveness and safety.