3 in 4 adults around the world say they would get a COVID-19 vaccine

A new Ipsos survey, conducted on behalf of the World Economic Forum, shows that three-quarters of adults would get a vaccine for COVID-19 if it were available.

But nearly two-thirds (59%) don’t think one will be available by the end of 2020.

The study, which covers nearly 20,000 adults in 27 countries, also reveals where in the world take-up would be strongest.

Would you get a COVID-19 vaccine?

Of those surveyed, 74% strongly or somewhat agreed with the statement “if a vaccine for COVID-19 were available, I would get it”.

In China, this figure rose to 97%, but was lowest in Russia, Poland and Hungary.

If not, why not?

The survey also asked those who said they wouldn’t get the vaccine why they wouldn’t consider it.

Globally, 56% said they were worried about the side effects, 29% had concerns about its effectiveness and 17% said they were against vaccines in general.

But will it be ready?

Nearly 3 in 5 adults don’t think a vaccine will be available to them by the end of 2020.

But, as with interest in getting a vaccine, China stands out. Nearly 90% of those surveyed strongly or somewhat agreed a vaccine is likely to be ready.

Numerous pharmaceutical companies are working on vaccine trials and candidates, while organizations like the World Health Organization (WHO), Gavi and CEPI are also working to develop a vaccine and ensure any future solution is available for those most in need.

Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, WHO Director-General, has warned about the risks of “vaccine nationalism: “Sharing finite supplies strategically and globally is actually in each country's national interest,” he said in August, as he urged WHO Member States to join the COVID-19 Vaccines Global Access (COVAX) Facility.