In the “one more thing to worry about” department, it seems anxiety is mounting over a vaccine for the novel coronavirus.
Currently in the U.S., Cambridge-based Moderna, Pfizer, and AstraZeneca are all in late-stage clinical trials for a potential vaccine, with Pfizer saying it could have initial results by the end of next month. But varying estimates on availability — with President Trump promising immediate distribution this fall, even as the companies themselves estimate most Americans wouldn’t have access until later next year — seem to have left some with concerns as to whether the final product might be a rush job.
With that in mind, we asked Boston.com readers, “Do you plan to get a coronavirus vaccine when one is available?” More than 1,200 responded, and only 28% pledged they would get the vaccine as soon as it’s out. The majority of the vote at 61% vowed to wait until they were convinced of a properly vetted vaccine, with 8% declaring they’d never get the shots no matter what the circumstances.
Three percent of respondents proposed other scenarios, including, “If the President and all the scientists and senior management of the company that produced [the vaccine] get publicly vaccinated first,” and, “Only if mandated by my employer. Otherwise nope.”
In total, 175 readers also offered specifics about the conditions under which they’d take the vaccine — with a large chunk expressing concerns over any vaccine released prior to Election Day or having any close connection to orders from President Trump. Here’s a sampling of their responses.
People trust vaccines, but not Trump:
“Once Trump is out. And only then.” — Anonymous
“Only if it is deemed safe and effective by all medical experts. I will never be forced to vaccinate by … Trump.” — Anonymous
“When it’s safe. Certainly NOT before or around Election Day.” –– Anonymous
“If peer-reviewed results and confirmation of safety are released to the scientific community, and scientists/doctors (who are not compromised by the lies and shenanigans of Trump and his re-election campaign/administration) can verify the safety and efficacy of the virus.” — Kathy, Ipswich
“If science determines it, not the Trump administration. I am very afraid this government will try to push it to win votes. But I trust science and I trust vaccines.” — Anonymous
“If Trump et al stay out of the scientists’ way so they can properly run their clinical trials and be sure the vaccine is effective and safe, I will take it as soon as it is available to me. Since I am 63, I will not be top priority and do not expect to get it until the end of 2021/early 2022, at the very earliest, given the huge number of people to be vaccinated worldwide.” — Anonymous
“I want medical experts, scientists & trusted world-wide institutions to agree the vaccine or vaccines are safe. I am a believer in vaccines. I do not believe anything the Trump administrations says and if Trump is re-elected, I may never leave my house as I do not trust anything from the current White House. I’ll consider moving to another country; that is if any of them will take an American anymore.” — Anonymous
“I will only take a vaccine on the advice of the nation’s top scientists, especially Anthony Fauci. What Trump says is worthless.” — Anonymous
Waiting it out:
“Six-plus months after the vaccine is publicly offered without any reported complications.” — Anonymous
“I will not take a new vaccine until it has been administered to at least 50 million people for at least six months. If Donald Trump advocates for a specific vaccine, those numbers would at least double.” — Anonymous
Full clinical trials a must:
“I wouldn’t hesitate to get the vaccine as long as the candidate vaccine has been through the rigors of clinical trials and shown to be effective and safe.” — Anonymous
“So long as the vaccine has gone through all the proper trials and testing, and is ready to go … sign me up.” — Anonymous
“We have lots of companies that don’t want future lawsuits. If they are willing to mass produce then they must have good data that shows it is worth it. Our kids need to be in school, people need to be at work.” — Mike, Tyngsborough
Never will I ever:
“Under no conditions. I will never take the vaccine.” — Anonymous
“I would not. I don’t take a flu vaccine either. Staying fit, eating well and practicing good hygiene (does not include wearing a mask) is what works for me. This virus is way overblown. Sure, you don’t want to get it … but if you do, the recovery rate is extremely high. Time to open up the economy and let people get on with life.” — Anonymous
Plus this suggestion:
“COVID vaccine should be tested on all politicians first — if they are alive, then the vaccine is safe, if they are not, then the country is safe.” — Anonymous
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