A research team from the University of Macau’s (UM) Institute of Chinese Medical Sciences (ICMS) recently conducted a survey on local residents’ intention to get vaccinated against COVID-19, and the result shows that over 60 percent intend to get the jabs, a UM statement said yesterday.

According to the statement, the survey was conducted in May via an online platform and received 522 valid responses. The statement noted that 62.3 percent of the respondents have the intention of getting vaccinated against COVID-19, while eight out of 10 of the respondents agree that the current vaccination programme is convenient. The statement also noted that seven out of 10 of the respondents believe that the vaccine can help prevent the transmission of COVID-19 in the community and consider getting inoculated against the novel coronavirus as a social responsibility.

The statement noted that according to the findings, 37.7 percent of the respondents are hesitant or have a negative attitude towards getting vaccinated against COVID-19.

The statement said that among the residents who do not have plans to leave Macau, 49.5 percent have no plans to get vaccinated. However, 35 percent are worried about the side effects of the COVID-19 jabs.

The statement said that the respondents urged the government to launch a suitable reward system to encourage residents to get the jabs, while also promoting the positive effects of the vaccine. The statement also said that the government should clarify online rumours about the side effects and serious complications caused by the jab.

The statement said that after gathering information from the survey findings, the research team gave four suggestions. The statement pointed out that first, the government should make having 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. Nevertheless, the statement said, the research team recommends 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. The statement also underlined the benefits of getting vaccinated.

For more information on the survey, one can visit https://medrxiv.org/cgi/content/short/2021.06.11.21258734v1.

This undated handout photo provided by the University of Macau (UM) yesterday shows the research team’s members from the public university’s Institute of Chinese Medical Science (ICMS) – Hu Yuanjia (from left to right), Carolina Ung, Hu Hao and Bian Ying.