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Only 58% Of Australians Plan To Get Covid-19 Vaccine When It Gets Approved

Only 58% Of Australians Plan To Get Covid-19 Vaccine When It Gets Approved

The report found 'high levels' of uncertainty towards a coronavirus vaccine, particularly among women and young people.

Jessica Lynch

Jessica Lynch

A recent survey conducted by the Australian National University has shown only 58 per cent of Australians would be willing receive the jab to protect against Covid-19 if a safe vaccine becomes available.

The report, which surveyed 3,000 adults, found there were 'high levels' of uncertainty towards a coronavirus vaccine, particularly among women and young people, as well as people living in disadvantaged areas.

Those with more populist views and those with stronger religious beliefs were more likely to be hesitant to get vaccinated against the deadly virus.

PA

It comes following the news that the Australian government has four vaccine deals in the works, as well as access to 25 potential vaccines through an international agreement, with the government spending more than $1.7 billion to secure 84.8 million doses.

The agreements are for 33.8 million does of the Oxford vaccine and 51 million doses of the University of Queensland vaccine, which has been developed with $5 million of Federal Government support.

It's thought that both of the vaccines are likely to require two doses for each person - an initial dose and then a booster.

Health Minister Greg Hunt said that this meant Australia would be supplied enough to vaccinate the country's population three times over.

Speaking on Adelaide radio 5AA on Thursday, Hunt said: "Our expectation remains that the first vaccines will be provided to health workers and subject to approvals, to the elderly in March and then we'll progressively rollout around the country."

PA

In September, Hunt also told the Herald that the government is sticking to its original plan of brewing the vaccine on home turf in November.

The trial had to be put on hold in September after a patient became sick, which isn't really a surprise in clinical trials. Several days later, the research resumed and scientists went back to seeing if their specific vaccine was the best shot at killing the coronavirus.

He hopes Aussies will be able to get vaccinated from early next year, with healthcare workers set to be the first ones allowed to line up.

The Health Minister told News Corp: "The evidence on the first half of 2021 is strengthening and the evidence on first quarter of 2021 is strengthening and it's likely that new contracts would also involve first quarter delivery so you know we're thinking March may be possible.

"The expectation is that everybody who sought vaccination would be vaccinated well within 2021. Our goal is to have the borders open, subject to vaccination and health advice, by the end of 2021."

Featured Image Credit: PA

Topics: covid, News, Australia