According to an unscientific survey conducted via mailing lists and social media by Age Concern, 38% of people would be “extremely willing to take the vaccine as soon as it arrives” and 27.6% “are willing to take the vaccination, although only after they see others safely take it first.”
A spokesperson said, “Age Concern, through their mailing list and social media channels, including their Facebook and Twitter pages, recently conducted an island-wide survey on the acceptance of the upcoming Covid-19 vaccination. Results offer reasons for optimism, showing that a majority of Bermudians plan to receive the vaccine either upon arrival, or shortly thereafter.
“The survey took place between Thursday, December 10th and Sunday, December 13th with the aim of understanding the views, perceptions, and concerns of the public in regard to the Covid-19 vaccination.
“The survey collected responses from more than 1,150 people across the island, with a plurality of respondents, 38%, stating that they are extremely willing to take the vaccine as soon as it arrives to Bermuda. The second largest response, at 27.6%, are of those that are willing to take the vaccination, although only after they see others safely take it first.
“However, 17.5% of respondents state that they will not be taking the vaccine, with an additional 10.2% stating that they do not plan on taking the vaccine, but are open to changing their mind and 9.8% stating that they have not yet made a decision.
“A common concern amongst those unwilling, or wary of taking the vaccine is that they feel that it has been rushed in an effort to move the world past the Covid-19 pandemic, with other respondents being concerned that those with other health ailments and/or allergies, as well as those with other medications, may be particularly vulnerable to receiving ill effects. Others state that they will rely on instructions from their medical professionals on whether to take this vaccine or not.
“These survey results show hope that our island will soon be able to move past this pandemic once and for all. We at Age Concern are excited about this news, as this will go a long way to relieving some of the strain, both medically and economically, of our more vulnerable older adults.” Dr. Claudette Fleming – Age Concern Executive Director.
“According to the latest statistics from the Ministry of Health, Bermuda currently has 184 active cases of Covid-19, with two cases resulting in hospitalization. As stated by Health Minister Kim Wilson JP MP, 9,000 doses of the Covid-19 vaccine are scheduled to arrive in the first week in January 2021.
“For help navigating the available information on the Covid-19 vaccination, give Age Concern a call at 238-7525 or email info@ageconcern.bm.”
Speaking in Parliament on Friday, Health Minister Kim Wilson said that “Bermuda will be supplied with 9,000 doses of the Pfizer vaccine and they will arrive on our shores in the first week of January 2021.”
