Atlantic Canadians are increasingly likely to get the COVID-19 vaccination. One in ten have already received at least one dosage of the vaccine.

  • While concern with the AstraZeneca vaccine is evident, more than one-half of residents planning to be vaccinated would still be willing to receive the AstraZeneca vaccine.  
  • Atlantic Canadians are generally satisfied with their provincial government’s vaccine rollout.

April 14th, 2021

HIGH AND INCREASING LIKELIHOOD OF GETTING VACCINATED FOR COVID-19

Residents were asked how likely they are to personally get a COVID-19 vaccination once it is available. Findings show that a growing majority of residents (86%) are either likely to do so, or have already had one or both of their doses.

Two-thirds (65%) of residents indicate they will definitely get the vaccine when available, while one in ten (10%) report they will probably do so. Nine percent report having already had their first dosage, and two percent have received both. Fewer than one in ten (8%) do not plan toget vaccinated, while a small minority are unsure whether or not they will get vaccinated (5%).

PERSONAL LEVEL OF CONCERN WITH SAFETY OF ASTRAZENECA VACCINE

Given the recent public discussion on the safety of the AstraZeneca vaccine, residents were asked how concerned they are personally with the AstraZeneca vaccine. Results suggest there is a signicant level of concern across the region, with over one-half of the population indicating so. Specifically, one-quarter are extremely concerned (23%), while one-third are somewhat concerned (35%). Conversely, less than one-half of residents are not concerned (40%), either stating they are not very concerned (26%) or not at all concerned (14%) and three percent who are unsure.

Levels of concern are highly consistent across Atlantic Canada provinces, although some differences in opinion are evident across demographics, with women (65%) being more likely than men (49%) to be concerned. Concern regarding AstraZeneca increases with age and decreases among those with higher household incomes.

LIKELIHOOD OF GETTING VACCINATED WITH THE ASTRAZENECA VACCINE

Despite evident concern, a majority are likely to opt for the vaccine, when available. Indeed, those planning to get vaccinated were asked how likely they would be to receive the AstraZeneca vaccine if it were available to them. Findings show that one-half of residents (56%) are likely to do so, although the commitment to receive AstraZeneca varies. Just over one-quarter (29%) indicate they will definitely get the vaccine when available, while a similar portion (27%) report that they probably will do so. Over one-third of residents (36%) will not choose to receive the AstraZeneca vaccine if offered to them, while one in ten (8%) are unsure.

Intentions are generally consistent across Atlantic Canada, although men (62%) are more likely than women (51%) to express likelihood of getting the AstraZeneca vaccine. Additionally, residents over the age of 55 years (61%) are more likely to report a willingness to receive this vaccine compared to middle-aged (53%) or younger residents (52%).

SATISFACTION WITH PROVINCIAL GOVERNMENT’S VACCINE ROLLOUT

To date, Atlantic Canadian residents are moderately satisfied with their provincial government’s rollout of vaccines. Overall, two-thirds of residents are satisfied with their provincial government’s actions (65%), while over one-quarter report being dissatisfied (27%). Across the region, PEI residents offer a more positive assessment of their provincial government’s vaccine rollout.

Narrative Research, www.narrativeresearch.ca, is one of Canada’s leading public opinion and market research companies. As a non-partisan, 100% Canadian-owned research company, Narrative Research is dedicated to providing clients with state-of-the-art research and strategic consulting services. Visit EastCoastVoice.ca to join Atlantic Canada’s largest panel, and share your opinions.

This survey was conducted from March 30, 2021 – April 7, 2021 with 2,782 Atlantic Canadians from Narrative Research’s online panel, East Coast Voice. As a non-probability sample (i.e., a panel sample where residents have joined a panel to share their opinions), and in accordance with CRIC Public Opinion Research Standards, a margin of error is not applied. 

The questions included in this release was the following:

  • Once the vaccine becomes available to you, how likely are you to personally get vaccinated?
  • There has been some public discussion of the safety of the AstraZeneca vaccine. All things considered, how concerned are you personally with the AstraZeneca vaccine?
  • If the vaccine available to you was the AstraZeneca vaccine, how likely are you to personally get vaccinated
  • Overall, how satisfied are you with your provincial government’s rollout of vaccines?

For more information, please contact:

Margaret Brigley, CEO, Narrative Research at 902.493.3830 (O) mbrigley@narrativeresearch.ca

Or

Margaret Chapman, COO & Partner: 902.493.3834 (W); 902.222.4048 (M), mchapman@narrativeresearch.ca

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