New findings from the first survey of Londoners on COVID-19 vaccine opinions show that a quarter are unlikely to or definitely won’t get a COVID-19 vaccine, in research published today by the London Assembly Health Committee.
Out of the 700 Londoners polled online between 19 October and 2 November, almost half of those who would not or might not get a vaccine (47.5%) said that they either did not trust government guidance or did not trust drug companies. Around three in five people (66%) who responded to the survey said they are likely or definitely will get vaccinated.
The research also shows more than half of Londoners do not think or are unsure if the NHS can successfully roll-out a new COVID-19 vaccine when one is ready.
Other findings from the survey include:
- The 45-54 age group had the most respondents say they were not likely to have the vaccine.
- Over half of those who would not get a vaccine get their news from YouTube.
- Around 7 out of 10 of those who would get a vaccine get their news from national and local news channels, including radio, online and television.
- There are fewer people in the east of London compared to the rest of the city who say they would definitely or be likely to get the vaccine.
According to the World Health Organisation, rates of vaccination uptake to create herd immunity vary between diseases. It requires up to 19 out of 20 people to be vaccinated against measles and for polio four in five. However, these survey findings show that, if vaccine uptake rates need to be as high for COVID-19, Londoners and London could fall short in creating the necessary herd immunity.
The findings demonstrate that London’s NHS must showcase how it is preparing for the vaccine and how it will handle vaccinations. This comes amidst announcements from the government that it is preparing for fast-approaching approvals of a new vaccine.
That’s why the London Assembly Health Committee is calling for a "Debunk, Reassure and Promote" campaign by the government, NHS England and the Mayor that:
- Debunks myths around vaccines and vaccinations,
- Reassures people of the safety of the vaccine,
- Promotes the uptake of vaccines to all age groups, but specifically targets those who the government has said will be getting the vaccine first.
Dr Onkar Sahota, Chair of the Health Committee, said:
“Confidence in vaccines has always been of huge importance – and it will play a vital part in combatting COVID-19.
“It is going to be all hands to the pump to deliver an effective national vaccination programme. A large part of this will be combatting the kind of myths and conspiracies we have seen around vaccines for far too long, which are now widely spreading across social media platforms. We need to build trust and ensure that Londoners are both able and willing to get the vaccinations that they need.
“We know that Londoners want to get back to their families, friends, education and workplaces safely, but we need to be vaccinated to do that. Encouraging progress is being made towards ensuring vaccinations are widely available. I am hugely grateful to all of the experts working on this – and I know that our strict regulations mean that vaccines will be safe and effective.
“But we also know that confidence in any COVID-19 vaccines is a big problem for our city. We applaud the work that the Mayor, the NHS and Government ministers have done recently to encourage people to get the flu vaccine. The NHS, Government and the Mayor must now work together to debunk false information, reassure Londoners and promote the uptake of COVID-19 vaccines. If we are really gearing up to start rolling-out these out next month, these efforts must begin urgently.”
Notes to editors
- Dr Onkar Sahota AM, Chair of the Health Committee, is available for interview.
- As well as investigating issues that matter to Londoners, the London Assembly acts as a check and a balance on the Mayor.
- The survey was conducted online between the 19 October and the 2 November. 735 people responded.
- The survey was conducted online and advertised on social media and the London Assembly newsletter. Data has not been weighted and subgroups are not representative of Londoners.
- Further survey details are available upon request.
For media enquiries, please contact Louise Young on 07849 308 317. For out of hours media enquiries, call 020 7983 4000 and ask for the London Assembly duty press officer. Non-media enquiries should be directed to the Public Liaison Unit on 020 7983 4100.