While the Government of India is gearing up for the vaccination drive, more than 50% of India’s population is expressing caution towards taking the virus vaccine according to the GOQii COVID-19 – The Way Forward survey. The survey has been conducted with approximately 11000 respondents to understand the openness to take the vaccine, the perception of the government measures to combat COVID-19, the possible future measures including a lockdown. The study reveals that 53% of the population is unsure about taking COVID-19 vaccine.

GOQii analysed public opinion on the keenness of taking the vaccine while deep diving into the interest levels by age and gender. Interesting facts revealed that 43% of them are not sure and will only make a solid opinion post initial results about the effectiveness of the vaccine is revealed while 10% are firmly against taking the vaccine as of now. On an optimistic note, 47% of the respondents said that they are willing to take the vaccine and are actually waiting for it.

Women are more cautious than men with 48% of the male population willing to get vaccinated while the female readiness is around 42%.

With age, the willingness to take the vaccine reduces. The older adults (45-60) and seniors (60+) are not as ready as the younger age groups. This may be due to concerns about complications post taking it.

According to the COVID-19 Impact - The Way Forward study, 50% of the respondents feel that the Central Government initiatives have been effective in curbing the spread of COVID-19 while 25% of the people surveyed believe that the State Government initiatives have been effective. Only 22% of citizens recognise the efforts of the local Government in terms of effectiveness.

It is interesting to know that 66% of the population surveyed believes the current method or opening up slowly is the way forward while 34% feel that a complete lockdown should be introduced again. 25% have a positive opinion about the current partial lockdown and think that it should continue in a similar manner. While 31% want things to return back to normal but only in a gradual way, wherein restriction will be loosened very cautiously and while monitoring the numbers. 10% of people who said that there should be no restrictions and things should go back to normal.