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Healthwatch Redbridge undertook a survey of attitudes to the Covid-19 vaccine as they had been made aware that some communities and individuals were reluctant to get it. A total of 409 people completed the survey between December 2020 and February 2021.

Three quarters of respondents  felt able to make an informed decision on whether or not to get the vaccine. Around a fifth felt that information was not sufficient. Older people feel notably better informed than younger people. Those from White backgrounds feel significantly better informed than those from Black, Asian, and Minority Ethnic (BAME) backgrounds.

Respondents aged 65+ are 18% more likely than average to want the vaccine sooner. Those aged 55-64 are also keen to get an earlier vaccine. Those from White backgrounds generally, plus the Indian community are most likely to accept the vaccine sooner.

Over a third of respondents would get the vaccine ‘immediately’. Many people in this group reflect a strong desire to ‘get back to normal', as soon as possible.

Three in ten of respondents would get the vaccine within 3 months. Many in this group are not in a priority category and anticipate a wait of some weeks. While some would like the vaccine sooner, prioritisation is broadly accepted. Concerns about efficacy, side effects and new variants cause some to delay.

Nine percent  of respondents would ‘never’ get the vaccine. Fears around efficacy, side effects and a lack of longer-term data are prominent within this group. There is a notable level of mistrust of the government and manufacturers. Younger people are significantly more likely to decline the vaccine. Those from South Asian (Bangladeshi/Pakistani) and Black (Caribbean/African) communities are most likely to decline the vaccine. Workers in non-key sectors (such as construction) are twice as likely than key workers (such as those in the NHS) to decline the vaccine.

79% of respondents who care for someone who is vulnerable, or a loved one in a care setting would encourage them to receive the vaccine, compared to 9% who would not.

Half of respondents don’t know if their employer will require them to be vaccinated.  Over one in ten confirm that their employers will require them to do so.

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20210302_Redbridge_covid-19_vaccine_survey_2020-21_report.pdf