A new Angus Reid poll finds confidence in getting the Oxford-AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccine in Canada has shot up pun intended.
Of those Canadians willing but yet to be vaccinated, 52% now say they are comfortable receiving AstraZeneca, which is an 11-point increase in just two weeks.
The rise in confidence about this particular vaccine has been attributed to its eligibility being expanded in some provinces to Generation Xers and Xennials, as well as to doctors assuring the public that its benefits outweigh any risks of blood clots that have occurred in rare cases.
As for the Johnson & Johnson vaccine, which has been paused in the U.S. due to similar rare side effects, Canadians confidence in getting that shot has decreased 16 points, from 70% down to 54%, in the last two weeks.
Canada expects to receive its first shipment of the J&J vaccine, about 300,000 doses, this week.
Angus Reid also found the willingness of unvaccinated Canadians to get the Pfizer-BioNTech and Moderna vaccines remains unchanged from two weeks ago, at 92% and 90% respectively.
Other interesting poll findings:
71% have either had their first COVID-19 vaccination or would like to get it as soon as possible, a number that has increased steadily for four straight months.
Albertans continue to have the highest levels of vaccine hesitancy, with 28% saying they wont get vaccinated or remain unsure compared to the national average of 16%.
Of those uncomfortable with AstraZeneca and Johnson & Johnson, 40% and 39%respectively would reject the vaccines if offered.
jstevenson@postmedia.com
