Study Finds Most Indonesians Eager to Receive Covid-19 Vaccine

TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - The Ministry of Health together with the Indonesian Technical Advisory Group on Immunization (ITAGI) - along with support from UNICEF and WHO - held a national survey from September 19 to September 30, 2020, in an attempt to understand the public's view and perception regarding the Covid-19 vaccination. The survey questioned more than 115,000 people from 34 provinces and 508 regencies and cities. 

The study found that three-quarters of respondents had heard about the upcoming vaccine and two-thirds of respondents stating their willingness to be recipients of the vaccine. 

However, the level of acceptance towards vaccination varies in each province that is mainly driven by the person's economic status, beliefs and religion, education status, and area. 

The level of acceptance towards the vaccine is mainly positive in groups of people exposed to information about the vaccine and the ownership of health insurance, which asserts the need to provide people with adequate information about the upcoming vaccine. 

"The survey shows that the majority of people in Indonesia have heard about the Covid-19 vaccine and are willing to receive it," said Health Ministry's secretary, Oscar Primadi, on November 17, 2020.

However, a small portion of respondents has expressed doubts while a smaller portion has rejected it. Around seven percent of the total respondents rejected the Covid-19 vaccine based on several factors including safety, effectiveness, and halal concern. 

UNICEF representative Debora Comini said that the report of this study will be used to develop an effective vaccination strategy utilizing special communication approaches to ensure that people have access to accurate information about the vaccine's safety and effectiveness. 

TEMPO.CO