Half of Canadians say wait for vaccination is too long: Angus Reid

Photo: Angus Reid

A new poll from Vancouver-based Angus Reid Institute is showing a great deal of frustration with the amount of time it is taking to vaccinate Canadians.

The poll also shows a marked shift in the number of people who are saying they want the vaccination.

In just a month, the number of people saying they plan to get inoculated as soon as possible has jumped 12 percentage points, with 60 per cent now willing, and waiting.

The study shows Canadians still have reservations about long-term implications and side-effects but it also indicates that most are now willing to roll up their sleeves and that they are more confident than anxious about the vaccine.

The shift also puts health officials, and politicians – under the microscope. Criticism has been mounting in recent weeks about the pace of vaccinations with 52 per cent of those polled saying it's taking “too long”.

The poll also found dissatisfaction with the speed and smoothness of the vaccine process, especially in Manitoba and Ontario where approximately half, 51 per cent and 54 per cent respectively say their province is doing a “bad job” on COVID-19 vaccine distribution. 

The poll also indicates that men aged 55 and older are most impatient for the vaccine, with 63 per cent saying the amount of time they expect to wait for one is “too long”.

Photo: Angus Reid