Only about 40 per cent of Hongkongers surveyed willing to get vaccinated against Covid-19
- Public perception of the government’s vaccination scheme may change gradually as people become more familiar with it, according to Baptist University professor
- Top HKU academic says authorities could enhance communication efforts to increase public confidence in the vaccine
Only 39 per cent of Hongkongers are willing to receive Covid-19 vaccine shots offered by the government, according to a survey.
The study, which polled 2,733 residents, also found that 51 per cent of the respondents with chronic illnesses planned to get the jabs.
The online survey was conducted by the University of Hong Kong, Shue Yan University, Baptist University (HKBU) and the Hong Kong Society for Rehabilitation, between January 22 and 28.
Dr Samson Yuen Wai-hei, from HKBU’s department of government and international studies, said the results did not mean people were unwilling to get vaccinated, as many were adopting a “wait-and-see” approach.
The numbers should not be too worrying as the situation may change
“The numbers should not be too worrying as the situation may change, it’s quite dynamic,” he said. “Once the public becomes more familiar with the vaccination process, their perceptions might change gradually.”