People's experiences and views about Covid-19 vaccinations in Brighton & Hove

Healthwatch Brighton and Hove undertook a survey to find out local people’s experience of and attitudes to the Covid 19 vaccination programme between 13 February and 31 March 2021. 2,102 people responded.

Over three quarters had received at least one vaccine.  Over three quarters of White British respondents had had the vaccine compared to 66 % of other ethnic groups. Reasons for accepting the vaccination were a mixture of personal interests and those for the wider public benefit.

 People were generally positive about the vaccine experience.  Over nine in ten rated the information about where and when to receive the vaccine as excellent. Over half were able to ‘book an appointment at a time/date that suited me’. Over nine in ten said they were very likely to encourage their family and friends to having a COVID-19 Vaccination.

Over four in five had received written details of the vaccine received, and a similar number received information on the possible side-effects. The one area of concern expressed in the open-ended comments was that under two in five received information about the time, date and location of the second vaccine.

Of those yet to have the vaccine, over one in five were ‘undecided but unlikely to accept the vaccine’, ‘definitely will not accept the vaccine’ or ‘been offered and declined the vaccine’. For those hesitant about the vaccine, over 50% mentioned safety, side-effects, strength of evidence of effectiveness, and right to choose as their reasons

Over a quarter of ethnic minority groups were hesitant to have the vaccine compared to just under 15 % of White-British respondents.  Over three in ten of respondents with disabilities were hesitant compared to 16% of those without disabilities.