The share of Canadians willing to be vaccinated grew from 69% at the end of April saying they would definitely get vaccinated or reporting they are already vaccinated to 79% now. These are the findings of a new INNOVATIVE online survey conducted from May 18th to May 26th, 2021, with a weighted sample size of 2,000 Canadian residents.
Since people over 55 were already at 87% in April, almost all of the May gains come from younger people. The middle age group (35-54) has gained 12-point in definitely planning or already receiving the shot while those under 35 have increased 21-points from 50% to 71%. People with children or working face-to-face are less likely to be vaccinated than other groups, but this appears to be simply due to those groups being younger with delayed accessed to vaccines.
Hesitancy to the first shot does not appear to be driven by general anti-vax sentiment but by concerns specific to these vaccines. Top mentions include rushed approvals and unknowns or uncertainty related to the newness of the vaccines.
Among those who have already received the first dose of the vaccine, 96% say that they will receive the second dose. People who have taken Astra Zeneca are less intense in their intention to take the second shot, but the differences are not dramatic.
The top reason for hesitancy for the second shot is availability but various concerns about side-effects, particularly related to Astra Zeneca, are also very high.
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