A new survey by Vox Pop Labs for the ABC found 19% of those who identify with the right side of politics are ‘very unlikely’ to take the COVID-19 vaccine, compared to 4% of those on the left.
Professor Julie Leask, an advisor for the World Health Organisation, warns of the potential of Australia following the US and parts of Europe in a trend of political polarisation around vaccination.
Professor Leask cites a need for leaders and influencers on the right in Australia to demonstrate their commitment to vaccination.
The survey found the majority of Australians plan to take the vaccination, with 72% considering themselves ‘very likely’ to vaccinate when it becomes available.