Global scepticism could compromise the effectiveness of the COVID-19 vaccine
According to a survey by the World Economic Forum of 20,000 people in 27 countries, 74 per cent of respondents are willing to get vaccinated, too little to guarantee the success of the treatment. The Chinese are most willing to get vaccinated whilst the Russians are the most sceptical. At least 8,000 Boeing 747s will be needed to deliver the vaccine around the world.
Hong Kong (AsiaNews) – A recent survey by the World Economic Forum (WEF) found that an average 74 per cent of people questioned said they would take a Covid-19 vaccine when available.
For Arnaud Bernaert, head of shaping the future of health and healthcare at the WEF, the percentage is too low and could compromise the effectiveness of vaccination.
World Health Organisation data indicate that the coronavirus has so far infected more than 27 million people with almost 900,000 deaths. Some 200 candidate vaccines are currently under study worldwide with about thirty already tested on humans.
Despite widespread scepticism in the international scientific community, countries like China and Russia plan to start administering the vaccine by the end of the year.
The WEF surveyed nearly 20,000 adults in 27 countries. Levels of acceptance vary from a high of 97 per cent in China to a low of 54 per cent in Russia. In the US, the country most affected by the pandemic so far, only 67 per cent said they would be inoculated.
Respondents in Australia, India, Malaysia, South Korea, Saudi Arabia and Japan showed a high willingness to get vaccinated, from 75 to 88 per cent.
In Europe, the best response was recorded in Great Britain (85 per cent). In Germany it is 67 per cent, followed by Italy (66 per cent) and France (59 per cent). In South America, 88 per cent of Brazilians are ready to accept vaccination
Those who do not want to be vaccinated cite fear of side effects, or express doubts about the vaccine’s effectiveness.
For 59 per cent of respondents, the vaccine will not be ready before the end of the year. in China, 87 per cent are convinced that the vaccine will arrive within three months.
Distributing the vaccine will be a great logistical challenge. According to the International Air Transport Association (IATA), it will take the equivalent of 8,000 Boeing 747s to carry the necessary doses around the world; for airliners, it will be the "mission of the century”.
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