Majority of Indians are in favour of getting vaccinated against COVID-19, and ready to pay for vaccines if the government's free vaccination programme gets restricted to only vulnerable sections of the population, found an online survey.
Around 84 percent of the respondents said they were willing to be inoculated, LiveMint reported, citing the survey conducted by think-tank Bureau of Research on Industry and Economic Fundamentals in coordination with online pharmacy 1mg.
The survey reportedly involved a sample size of 30,392 persons. Out of those who did not wish to be administered with the vaccine, 36 percent cited the fear of adverse side-effects.
Among the total respondents, 74 percent said it was important for them to remain updated about all the latest developments related to the vaccination drive in India, the report added.
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A majority of the respondents said they would get vaccinated even if the shots are not provided free of cost. Nearly 42 percent said they were ready to pay up to Rs 500, whereas, another 27 percent had no apprehensions in paying between Rs 500 and Rs 1,000.
The survey also attempted to ascertain the reason which is compelling most of the respondents to take the jabs.
Around 22 percent said they were living with family members belonging to the vulnerable age group, whereas, 28 percent claimed that they frequently visited public places, which placed them at the highest risk of contracting the infection.
The vaccination drive in India commenced on January 16, and the country has so far inoculated over 63 lakh healthcare and front-line workers. The next phase of vaccination programme would allow nearly 27 crore citizens - those aged above 50 and persons with comorbidities - to receive the vaccine doses.
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