How do you feel about the Covid vaccine?

Good evening

How do you feel about the coronavirus vaccine?

While most concede we need to tackle this terrible pandemic with science, more than a quarter of people have said they are unsure or reluctant about getting a Covid-19 vaccine, according to research.

Meanwhile, 72% of participants told a survey - based on an approved coronavirus vaccine - they were willing to be vaccinated.

The findings, published in the journal Psychological Medicine, are based on a demographically representative sample of 5,114 adults in the UK.

Those classed as being vaccine hesitant are mistrustful of a vaccine: that it is not needed, it will not work, or it will not be safe. Many are not thinking about the benefits of taking the vaccine not just to them but to the wider community.

And putting the wilder of conspiracy theories aside, some have suspicions the virus is no worse than the flu and side effects won’t be known until later.

Some simply mistrust institutions or have had a bad experience with the NHS. It’s a fascinating insight and makes it clear that people’s concerns should not be dismissed - but addressed with information and education.

I'll catch up with you tomorrow.

Kind regards, Nicola

Deputy editor