61% Indians sceptical about Covid vax even if it comes in 2021: Survey

New Delhi : Most people are not on the edge of their seats waiting for a covid vaccine, shows a survey. 

What's more, about 61 per cent are sceptical about the Covid-19 vaccine and won't make a beeline for it in 2021 even if available.

'LocalCircles' conducted a survey to know peoples' reaction when the Government takes Covid-19 vaccine to them.

The survey received over 25,000 responses from over 225 districts of India.

It sought to know peoples' current behaviour facing COVID-19 threats, and for how long they will continue to endure the sufferings.

Scientists including those from India are developing several vaccines and are at different stages of clinical trials.

The central government maintains it has started to gear up to take these vaccines to every citizen.

When a vaccine does become available in March-April 2021, it is important that there is a certain level of trust people have in the vaccine.

The question to respondents was, "If the COVID-19 vaccine became available in the early part of next year, would you like to get it so you can go back to your pre-COVID lifestyle?"

61 per cent of 8,312 respondents said they are sceptical about the COVID-19 vaccine and will not rush to take it in 2021 even if it is available.

Only 12 per cent respondents said yes to vaccine and go back to living pre-COVID lifestyle, while 25 per cent said they will get vaccinated but still will not go back to pre-COVID lifestyle, and 10 per cent said they will not take it at all in 2021.

In July, Indians via LocalCircles raised the issue of an urgent need to develop serial number tracking of COVID-19 vaccine to avoid any black marketing and to track the vaccine from point of manufacturing to the point of administration.

The key action needed here by both the pharmaceutical industry and the Government is to keep citizens updated at every step about the vaccine via various media platforms so when a safe vaccine does arrive, the Indian citizenry is ready to take it.

Respondents were also asked how they feel mentally after eight months into the Covid-19 pandemic. Of 8,590 respondents, 33 per cent said they feel anxious or worried, 19 per cent said calm and happy, 13 per cent said depressed, 5 per cent said enthusiastic, 20 per cent said they were feeling thankful, while 10 per cent said none of the above.

India is currently in the fifth phase of unlocking, which has seen most restrictions removed. The Unlock 5.0 guidelines allow states and union territories to take a call on determining the capacity of people allowed to gather, along with the call to open schools, cinemas, multiplexes, among others.

While the Central and State Governments are permitting services like markets, restaurants, metros, multiplexes, markets, parks etc. to operate the general guidelines are still to minimize social interactions, maximize social distancing, always wear mask when out of home and in general avoid crowded public places.

These restrictions have led to change in lifestyle across the country. Work from home could lead to a significant change in the lifestyles of  employees.

To understand if people are tired of the new pandemic induced lifestyle, LocalCircles asked people, "How long do you think you can easily sustain this post Covid way of living with restriction?"

Out of 8,496 citizens participated, of which 38 per cent said they are willing to live the Covid-19 way of living for as long as it takes, while 23 per cent said they are already tired of the restrictions.

While 14 per cent each said till December 31, 2020 and till March 31, 2021, 6 per cent said till June 30, 2021, 2 per cent said till September 30, 2021, and 3 per cent said till Dec 31, 2021.

If the numbers are added up, 63 per cent citizens feel they can easily sustain the post Covid way of living with restrictions till March 31, 2021.

IANS report with edits