Canadian Confidence in COVID-19 Vaccines Remains Strong

Strategic Insights -

A new Leger poll suggests Canadian confidence in COVID-19 vaccines is holding firm, with over eight in ten respondents saying they are either vaccinated already or plan to be when it's their turn. This is almost identical to the number who said that in a similar poll taken a month ago, and represents a significant increase from six in ten people last October and seven in ten in January. The poll, conducted by Leger and the Association for Canadian Studies, surveyed 1,529 Canadians online between May 7 and May 9, and found that Canadians are largely open to the idea of vaccine passports, but support them more for travel than for everyday activities.

Key Takeaways:

  • Over eight in ten Canadian respondents (82%) say they are either vaccinated already or plan to be when it's their turn, a number almost identical to the previous month's poll.
  • This represents a significant increase from last October (six in ten) and January (seven in ten).
  • Almost 40% of Canadians have now been vaccinated with at least one dose, and government officials have said at least 75% need to be vaccinated to get close to herd immunity against COVID-19.
  • Confidence in vaccines is down following adverse reactions and safety concerns, with only 22% of respondents expressing trust in AstraZeneca, compared to 88% for Pfizer-BioNTech and 87% for Moderna.
  • A vaccine passport system is supported by almost three-quarters of Canadians, but support varies depending on how they are to be used, with eight in ten supporting them for domestic or international travel, and six in ten supporting them for everyday activities.
  • Support for vaccine passports is lowest in Alberta, at just over 50%, and among people under 55.

Statistics:

  • 82% of Canadian respondents say they are either vaccinated already or plan to be when it's their turn.
  • Almost 40% of Canadians have been vaccinated with at least one dose.
  • 75% of Canadians need to be vaccinated to get close to herd immunity against COVID-19.
  • 22% of respondents express trust in AstraZeneca.
  • 88% of respondents express trust in Pfizer-BioNTech.
  • 87% of respondents express trust in Moderna.
  • 85% of vaccine doses given out as of May 1 were Pfizer or Moderna.
  • 88% of doses expected in the next two months are Pfizer or Moderna.
  • All Canadians over the age of 12 should have access to their first dose before the end of June.

Sources:

  • A new Leger poll conducted by Leger and the Association for Canadian Studies, surveyed 1,529 Canadians online between May 7 and May 9.
  • Christian Bourque, executive vice-president of Leger.
  • The Canadian Press.
  • Mia Rabson.