Do Hungarians want to be vaccinated?

A representative opinion-poll shows that even though they could slowly end the pandemic, Hungarians are not as excited about the vaccines as the government is.

According to Johns Hopkins University, in order to stop the spread of the virus and develop herd immunity, 60-70 % of vaccination coverage is required. Even though, the decision-makers and experts around the world, as well as in Hungary, have been stating that the arrival of the vaccines will be the solution for the economic crisis, the burden on the health system, as well as it will bring an end to the restrictions we now have to live with – Hungarians still seem to be sceptical about it.

The Hungarian Publicius Institute conducted a representative opinion-poll for Népszava, according to which only 20-36 % of the people would accept the coronavirus vaccines at this point. Only 20-21 % would choose the Russian and Chinese vaccines, while a little bit more; 31-36 % would opt for the American and European ones.

The supporters of the government are more willing to accept the Chinese and Russian vaccines: 28-29 % – which could be due to the great media attention these received on the cabinet’s side –, while only 7-8 % of oppositionist would say yes to these.

According to the opinion-poll, every fourth Hungarian or their close relatives are affected by the coronavirus – 40 % experienced especially severe symptoms, and 4 % even needed hospitalisation.

On the contrary to the results, as the poll suggests, the Hungarian population is also aware that the health system is reaching its limitations; they realise the lack of doctors and nurses, the replacing doctors, the levels of equipment, and the crowded hospitals as existing problems.

On the other hand, Hungarians, in general, are not against vaccinations. In fact, considering the 12 compulsory vaccinations in Hungary, 99 % of the population is vaccinated. In terms of the optional vaccinations, however, usually, only 25 % gets, for example, the flu and rotavirus vaccines, while this year, people actually had to be placed on waiting lists for flu vaccines.

Research has also shown that for example, in Poland, 56 %, and in Russia, 55 % of the population would like to be vaccinated at this point. In China, on the other hand, 90 % supports vaccination.

Source: Népszava