Concerns and motivations about COVID-19 vaccination

For those who were indifferent (June, 7% [102 of 1371]; July, 5% [59 of 1274]) or said they would not get the vaccine (June, 5% [74 of 1371]; July, 6% [71 of 1274]), the top reasons across the two surveys were “concern about the safety of the vaccine in its development” (36% [139 of 388]) and “potential side effects” (10% [38 of 388]). Involving vaccine communication experts and the public in developing messaging and long-term vaccine strategy is crucial, and governments worldwide should begin preparing these strategies imminently.8 A prioritisation framework proposed by health economists might aid with the development of these strategies.9 With the Australian Government aiming for 95% uptake of the COVID-19 vaccine, communication formats used to inform members of the public about a vaccine should be suitable for people with low health literacy and education and appropriate for culturally and linguistically diverse groups and Indigenous populations.1 Primary-care doctors are likely to be at the forefront of education and administration of a COVID-19 vaccine.10 Since these doctors are a trusted source, it is important that they are supported in delivering recommendations about the COVID-19 vaccine while alleviating concerns, if we are to reach the vaccine uptake target in Australia. Supporting health-care professionals in their role as educators will ensure people have adequate and accessible information from a trusted source, to optimise vaccine uptake and ultimately reduce community transmission of COVID-19.