HSE survey shows growing trust in Covid vaccination

Trust in the HSE regarding the safety of Covid-19 vaccination “has increased significantly” since December, according to research. The general tracking research was conducted on behalf of the HSE in mid-December and again in January. The unpublished data is separate from the Department of Health’s
weekly public opinion tracker.

According to findings, “nearly three-in-four members of the public report that they are likely to get the vaccine when it is offered to them, compared to nearly one-in-five who are unlikely to get the vaccine when it is offered to them.”

“This shows a significant increase since 20 December when just over three in-five reported they were likely HSE survey shows growing trust in Covid vaccination to get the Covid-19 vaccine.” Some 58 per cent of the public believe it will take up to a year for vaccination to be fully rolled out, while those aged 64 and under are most likely to believe the roll-out will
occur sooner.

“Since December, trust in the HSE with regards to the safety of the Covid-19 vaccine has increased significantly, as has trust in the safety of vaccines in general,” said a HSE spokesperson.

“Importantly, intention to get vaccinated and recommend the vaccine to those at risk has increased significantly, indicating that sentiment around the Covid-19 vaccine is increasing positively.

“The January wave of research showed a reduction from 17 per cent to 13 per cent in the number of people unlikely or extremely unlikely to get the vaccine, which illustrates that attitude and motivation are moving in a positive direction. Some 78 per cent of people expect to get it in the next 12-to-18 months.” The HSE survey was conducted earlier in the year than the
more recent Department of Health/Amárach research.