Covid vaccine UAE: Residents count on jab for safe travel

Abu Dhabi - Forty-nine per cent of a new survey's respondents said the vaccine makes them feel safe around others.

Nearly half of UAE residents (48 per cent) believe that by getting jabbed, they will be able to travel with confidence, according to the first survey of its kind commissioned by G42 Healthcare.

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Conducted in January by YouGov, the online survey explored the perceptions of UAE residents about vaccination, polling more than 1,000 participants from across the emirates.

Under the poll’s ‘vaccine expectations’ parameter, nearly three out of five respondents (58 per cent) expect that there should not be any major side effects from the vaccine while 55 per cent believe it will protect themselves and their family. Also, 43 per cent assume their fear of contracting the disease will be alleviated through vaccination. Some 49 per cent said it makes them feel safe around others.

For 52 per cent of UAE residents, the vaccine’s safety and efficacy are the top motivation to get jabbed, said the survey.

About 46 per cent are happy to take the jab because it is free and available at multiple locations. For 37 per cent of residents, it is a national duty to participate in the vaccination programme, and 33 per cent would vaccinate as a social duty. As on Monday, the UAE has already offered 5,086,835 vaccine doses.

ashwani@khaleejtimes.com

• UAE