Despite concerns, most Canadians polled say they’d get the COVID-19 vaccine

VANCOUVER (NEWS 1130) – A new survey finds most Canadians would roll up their sleeves for a COVID-19 vaccine, but many still have questions about how safe the drug is.

Eight-in-10 Canadians would get a shot “within the next three months if it were offered to them,” according to the survey from KPMG. Almost half of those surveyed question the safety of the vaccines, “highlighting the need to bolster public trust and confidence.”

Nearly half of Canadians don't think it is safe to take the COVID-19 vaccine, but most will take it anyway.

This morning on @NEWS1130, we are taking a look at a new survey from @KPMG_Canada.

Here are some of the key findings: pic.twitter.com/fm3EGhbOYT

— Amanda Wawryk (@AmandaWawryk) December 17, 2020

However, KPMG also found that, despite those safety concerns, a quarter of respondents believe getting the shot is an important step to get the economy back on track and would “accept the risk.”

“With half of the population in Canada looking for assurances on the safety and rollout of the vaccines, it’s critical that all players in the healthcare sector continue to work together to strengthen the public’s comfort in getting inoculated,” says KPMG’s Jerome Thirion.

“Conflicting messages makes full transparency essential for a successful roll out of the country’s largest-ever vaccine campaign.”

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KPMG surveyed 2,002 people.

It also found that in order to feel safe, 97 per cent of Canadians polled want “clear assurance” that whoever gives them the vaccine – whether that’s a doctor, nurse, or pharmacist – “has properly recorded, tracked, and reported potential side effects with public health officials.”

Related video: Health-care worker received first COVID-19 vaccine in B.C.

To that effect, 85 per cent of respondents support a Canada-wide vaccine tracker.

“This makes it essential that all the digital systems tracking COVID-19 vaccinations be integrated and aligned to ensure people receive the correct vaccine for their second dose, track adverse reactions and to monitor progress in building immunity to the virus,” says Thirion.

Meanwhile, almost two-thirds of people say they think the military needs to be involved in the vaccine rollout for it to be efficient and effective.