As per the latest survey by 1mg.com, India’s leading healthcare platform, and BRIEF, research based policy think-tank, 84% of the respondents showed willingness to undergo COVID-19 vaccination in India with recommendation by the doctor and evidence on safety being the key influencers to choose the vaccine, at 24% each.

Respondents not willing to take the vaccine cited fears of side effects as the major reason (36%) for not wanting to take the vaccine. A significant share of 42% of the respondents are willing to pay upto INR 500 for the vaccine while another 27% are willing to pay between INR 500-INR 1000. 1mg and BRIEF released the survey findings of the online survey conducted, during in the months of December 2020 and January 2021, across sample size of 30,392 respondents.

The survey assumes importance in light of the recent announcement made during the Union Budget 2021. The Finance Ministry has allocated INR 35,000 crore for COVID-19 vaccine and committed to provide further funds if required. Health and well-being are two of the six crucial pillars that form foundation of the Union Budget this time.

The survey also brought out the key reasons to undertake the COVID-19 vaccination. Living with vulnerable family members at 28% and frequently visiting public places at 22% were the topmost reasons for showing willingness towards undergoing COVID-19 vaccination. The need to stay updated and aware about the latest information on COVID-19 vaccination process in India was seen as holding paramount importance among majority of the respondents at 74%.

Key Findings

1. Willingness for Vaccination

84% of respondents say they are willing to be immunized against COVID-19. Of this group, 28% were living with their family members who are vulnerable, either in terms of their age or have comorbidities; 22% needed to frequently visit public places.

 2. Vaccine Selection:

Amongst respondents who expressed willingness to take the COVID vaccine, key influencing factors were Recommendation of the Doctor (24%) and  Research evidence on safety (24%).

3. Vaccine Concerns

Primary concern is side effects: 36% of the respondents who did not want to take the vaccine feared potential side-effects.

4. Pricing Perspective

42% of the respondents are willing to spend up to Rs. 500 and 27% are willing to spend uptoRs 1000

5. Other Expectations

74% of the respondents expressed they would like to stay updated on the latest information pertaining to the vaccination process.

Prashant Tandon, CEO-1mg said:

“As India, and the world, embark on the largest vaccination program ever conducted, it is important to understand the perceptions of the citizens who are getting swamped with multiple types of information of all kinds. An efficient program of vaccination requires consumers concerns to be understood and systematically addressed. This survey brings out the primary perceptions towards vaccination as of Jan 2021, which is expected to evolve as the program progresses”.

AfaqHussain, Director-BRIEF said:

“The insights from the pilot survey are interesting and build a case for delving deeper into the perceptions of the people towards COVID-19 vaccination which can support in creating an effective communication strategy, addressing the fears of people and ensuring a smooth vaccination program in India”.

 About 1mg

1mg was started with a simple vision of making healthcare affordable, accessible and understandable. With over 37 million app downloads, 345 million monthly page views and >160 million annual unique users visiting the platform, 1mg has made its mark across the country for being a pioneer  in the digital healthcare space and is one of the most-trusted player in the segment. 1mg operates India’s largest and integrated digital healthcare platform where e-pharmacy, e-diagnostics and e-consult services are available to customers at the safety of their doorsteps. In recent times, 1mg has played a pivotal role in ensuring that the much-needed healthcare services continue to remain accessible to families right from their homes even amidst the pandemic.

About BRIEF:

Bureau of Research on Industry and Economic Fundamentals (BRIEF) is a New Delhi based research and policy think tank with a focus on international trade and regional cooperation in South Asia. Over the years, BRIEF have partnered with various academia, research institutions, policy groups, think tanks and multilateral institutions to undertake primary survey based research as well as contribute towards policy making and implementation at a domestic and regional level.

It functions as a research partner to institutions such as The World Bank, Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) UK, The Asia Foundation, Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FICCI), Confederation of Indian Industry (CII), among others. It has also worked consistently with different departments of the Government of India.

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With the largest inoculation vaccine drive that started on Saturday, India has successfully administered the first jab of vaccine to lakhs of frontline workers. Two made-in-India vaccines, Covishield and Covaxin were administered to priority groups in the past two days. Thousands of people in Karnataka received their first shot while others are awaiting their turn.

India which had seen a severe virus outbreak has rolled out the vaccine at the earliest among the other Asian countries. The vaccine has come as a sigh of relief for people and could aid in ending the COVID trauma experienced by people over the last 10 months.

Let’s understand all about the COVID-19 vaccination drive in India:

• There are two made-in-India vaccines, Covishield, manufactured by Serum Institute and Covaxin, made by Bharat Biotech.
• Two doses will be injected within a gap of 28 days, the effectiveness will begin 14 days after the second dose.
• The vaccine has been introduced only after approval from the regulatory bodies. The authorities are making sure that the vaccines are kept at 2-8 degree Celsius during transit and storage.
• Possible side-effects include pain at the injection site, mild fever, fatigue, allergies, nausea, etc which can be relieved by simple medication.
• People with a previous history of Covid-19 infection, chronic diseases and comorbidities, immunodeficiency or HIV are considered safe to receive the vaccine.
• The vaccine will be given to 1 Crore private and public healthcare workers followed by 2 crore frontline administrative and municipal workers and people above the age of 50 years.
• Those who wish to register for the vaccine can do the same through CoWIN website using a government photo ID. Information on the allocated date and time will be sent to the given mobile number via an SMS

The recipients of the vaccine have been found to be safe without much side effects so far. While this vaccine administration is voluntary, it is recommended to take the vaccine for protection against COVID-19. Also, it is mandatory to wear mask and follow the COVID protocols like social distancing and washing or sanitising hands even after the vaccine has been administered.

India has the capability and experience in conducting massive vaccination drives in the past, the ongoing drive will also continue in the same manner with the support of the frontline workers and government officials. During these unprecedented times, the rollout of vaccination drive will certainly be a boon for the country in terms of effective health infrastructure and economic recovery.

Over 750 hospital staff at Columbia Asia Hospital Whitefield, Columbia Asia Referral Hospital Yeshwanthpur, Columbia Asia Hospital Hebbal and Columbia Asia Hospital Sarjapur Road received their first jab with pride and a sense of relief in the vaccination drive held in the past two days.

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