Nearly two-thirds of Finnish residents are in favor of getting vaccinated against Covid-19 as soon as the vaccine is available, according to a fresh survey published on Monday by the National Institute for Health and Welfare (THL).
The survey is part of a broader study launched in the spring of 2020 to examines people's attitudes, opinions, and concerns during the coronavirus epidemic.
The latest survey results show that 64% of Finns say that they will take a coronavirus vaccine if it becomes available, and if it is recommended. 16% of respondents were neither for nor against being vaccinated and about 20% said that they would not take the vaccine. 10% of respondents were adamant in their refusal, THL remarks.
“It is good that attitudes toward the coronavirus vaccine are fairly positive. Positive attitudes toward the vaccine suggest that many will take it”, says Jonas Sivelä, Senior Researcher at the Finnish Institute for Health and Welfare (THL).
A similar survey was also conducted in the spring, in which 70% said that they would take a coronavirus vaccine if one became available, and if it was recommended. In the spring, people felt that the likelihood of catching the coronavirus was higher than it is now, in the autumn. Increasing numbers of people now feel that catching the disease is less likely than in the spring.
“We know that the risk of catching the disease is a major reason for a positive attitude toward vaccination. The higher the risk of catching a disease is perceived to be, the more positive attitudes are toward a vaccine that protects against it”, Sivelä says.
High-risk groups
According to studies both in the spring and the autumn, older people have a more positive attitude toward getting a coronavirus vaccine than young people do. The most recent survey shows that as many as 82% of the oldest age group, those over the age of 64, say that they will take the vaccine.
In the youngest age group, those between 18 and 29 years of age, the figure was just 48%.
“It is excellent, that people who are in the greatest danger from the disease take such a positive attitude toward the vaccine”, notes THL Director Mika Salminen.
Protection, the main factor
The greatest factor affecting willingness to take a coronavirus vaccine is how it protects the people being vaccinated and others against the disease.
“The fact that protecting others was almost equally important as protecting one's self is a clear indication of solidarity in people's thinking. This is wonderful, and it promotes common efforts to get past the epidemic situation”, Sivelä says.
Factors such as how good the protection given by the vaccine against coronavirus, the possible harmful effects of the virus, the infection situation in Finland, and the recommendations given by health care professionals and health officials affect people's willingness to be vaccinated.
“People are interested in the coronavirus vaccine, and it also raises many questions. We will answer them in detail and quickly as new information becomes available. It is especially important for people to get accurate and researched information on the coronavirus vaccine and vaccinations”, says THL Communications Director Marjo Loisa.
