Covid-19 vaccine report

Healthwatch Cumbria undertook research on attitudes to the Covid-19 vaccine. They undertook a survey from 23 August to 9 September 2021 and received 132 responses.

All but 6 people had received at least one dose of the Covid-19 vaccine.  The most common reasons given for those who had had the vaccine was to protect themselves and others. Eight people had at least one dose of the vaccine but didn’t want it.  They were uncertain about the efficacy of the vaccine, concerned about long-term effects or believed that natural immunity was more effective.  Their reasons for getting the vaccine included wanting to go on holiday, for work or protecting others.

Six people said they didn’t want and had not had the vaccine.  Their reasons included having worries about the safety of the vaccine, believing that information about the vaccine isn’t accurate or they didn’t need it as they had antibodies from a prior infection.

Additional comments included a range of views as to whether children should be vaccinated, access to boosters and positive experiences of being vaccinated.