More than 60 per cent of Macao residents plan to get vaccinated against Covid-19, according to the latest survey results.
A research team from the University of Macau’s Institute of Chinese Medical Sciences conducted the survey in May via an online platform and received 522 valid responses.
The survey found that 62.3 per cent of the respondents intended to get inoculated, while eight out of 10 agreed that the current vaccination programme is convenient.
Seven out of 10 respondents believed that the vaccine can help prevent the transmission of Covid-19 in the community and considered getting inoculated a social responsibility.
In contrast, 37.7 per cent of the respondents were hesitant or had a negative attitude towards getting vaccinated against Covid-19.
Among residents who did not have plans to leave Macao, 49.5 per cent had no plans to get vaccinated. However, 35 per cent were worried about the side effects of the Covid-19 jabs.
The survey found that respondents wanted the government to launch a suitable reward system to encourage residents to get their jabs, while also promoting the positive effects of the vaccine. Respondents also said that the government should clarify online rumours about the side effects and serious complications caused by the jab.
The research team came up with four suggestions.
- First, the government should make getting the jab more convenient by adding more vaccination points.
- Secondly, the government should collaborate with different platforms to spread a positive message about being vaccinated.
- Thirdly, medical professionals should take the initiative to provide more scientific information to the public in order to clarify online rumours.
- Finally, the research team recommended that the government encourage the public to look at the vaccine’s risks and advantages from a different point of view.
The research team said that the current medical research has proven that having the Covid-19 vaccination can provide an effective protection shield, and underlined the benefits of getting vaccinated, The Macau Post Daily reported.
