NDI polls: only 35% of Georgians would choose to receive vaccine against Covid-19

As Georgia begins to roll out its vaccination plan, the public remains skeptical; only 35% would choose to receive a vaccine if given the option right now, while 53% said they would not, reads poll results released today by the National Democratic Institute (NDI or the Institute) and CRRC Georgia.  

Image: NDI.

Less than half (42%) of Georgians believe that the government's vaccination plan is effective. 

Vaccine hesitancy is highest among women and individuals under 55. Among those who are hesitant, the main reasons are concerns about the quality of the vaccine (48%) and the belief that they can overcome the pandemic without vaccination (20%)", says NDI.

Georgians who say they get their news about  Covid-19 primarily from television (60%) and internet (35%), look to medical professionals (74%) and the Georgian National Center for Disease Control (NCDC) (68%) for trustworthy information.

While the country continues to endure a political crisis, it is important to demonstrate that the fundamental needs of the public are being met. Ensuring a smooth rollout of the vaccine and making use of trusted medical professionals to provide the public with accurate information will be critical to the government’s effort to deliver crucial services and safeguard public health", said NDI Country Director Alan Gillam.

Photo: NDI.

Georgia received the first 43,200 doses of AstraZeneca vaccine on March 13, while the vaccination of health workers started on March 15 throughout the country.

So far 3,818 health workers have been innoculated against Covid-19 in the country with the AstraZeneca vaccine.

Starting March 25, people over 65 years of age will be allowed to register for the Covid-19 vaccination in the country.