Three in four Australians would get a COVID-19 vaccine

In December 2020, nearly three in four Australians (73 per cent) agreed or strongly agreed that they would get a COVID-19 vaccine if it became available and was recommended for them, according to data released today by the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS).  

ABS Head of Household Surveys, David Zago, said the latest Household Impacts of COVID-19 Survey conducted from 11 – 18 December explored Australia’s attitudes towards COVID-19 vaccines.

“Men were more likely than women (76 per cent compared with 71 per cent) and people aged 65 years and over were more likely than people aged 18 to 64 years (83 per cent compared with 71 per cent) to agree or strongly agree with getting a COVID-19 vaccine.

“Almost three in five people (58 per cent) agreed or strongly agreed that they would try to get a COVID-19 vaccine as soon as it is available to them,” Mr Zago said.

The December survey also showed that COVID-19 was still prominent in people’s minds.

“92 per cent of Australians thought about COVID-19 at least once in the last week, with over half (52 per cent) reporting they were thinking about COVID-19 at least once a day,” Mr Zago said.

“The survey reported a further three in five people (59 per cent) actively sought information on COVID-19, and just over one in four (28 per cent) reported feeling overwhelmed because of COVID-19 at least once in the last week.”

In December, the survey asked how well people felt they and others understood their state or territory’s recommendations and restrictions to help prevent the spread of COVID-19.

Mr Zago said: “A majority (84 per cent) reported their understanding was good or very good, and they were following them closely (95 per cent).

“When asked about how well they thought others understood and followed restrictions, just over half (52 per cent) of Australians felt that other people had a good or very good understanding of what was required, and 78 per cent felt that other people were following recommendations and restrictions closely.”

The ABS would like to thank the Australian households that contributed to these survey results.