Table 3.

Expert responses to 10 most common reasons for vaccine hesitancy.

Concern	Key responses
‘I don't know if the vaccines have been tested on people like me: •By age, ethnicity, and comorbid health condition’	•The vaccines have been trialled in 10s of 1000s of people across many countries and ethnicities •No discernible difference in response to the vaccine across ethnic groups or age groups •Researchers included individuals with common chronic health conditions in the trials to ensure any risks to this population were identified •Pregnant and breastfeeding women were not included in the trials
‘I don't think we know enough about the side-effects of the vaccines’	•All COVID-19 vaccines have undergone very robust testing, including pauses to trials to explore whether adverse events or allergic reactions were as a result of the vaccine itself •These vaccines follow the same trial protocols for reporting adverse events to the medical advisory boards that all other vaccines must follow •All vaccines come with the chance of immediate side effects, such as a sore arm, fever etc. This shows the immune system has responded to the vaccine •Short-term side effects are similar to all other vaccines •Although there is less safety data available, MRNA vaccines have been studied for years
‘I think the whole process has been rushed’	•The vaccines have followed the same development criteria that all vaccines must undergo •Many other vaccines are developed in a similar time frame, such as the flu vaccine. •The difference in timeframes has resulted in the concerted channelling of funds into the development of these vaccines, with governments, manufacturers, and scientific bodies providing substantial and rapid funding, expediting the researchers' ability to test the vaccines •Some vaccines, such as the Oxford AstraZeneca vaccine, were developed quickly because the researchers utilised an existing vaccine formula and inserted in an inert form of the COVID-19 virus. •New technology also allowed us to identify the genetic make-up of the virus much more quickly •Evaluation of the safety of the vaccine by independent regulators (MRHA) was expedited as the regulators prioritised reviewing the trial data
‘I don't know if they will work’	•The data suggests short-term protection of at least 3 months •Pfizer vaccines is highly effective in the short term – approximately 95% •Oxford-AstraZeneca rates varied, but were approximately 70% effective •However, long-term data has yet to be reported •We don't know yet if the vaccines prevent transmission
‘I don't think I am at risk of getting COVID-19’	•While many people experience mild symptoms, COVID-19 is unpredictable; we are not able to predict who will be adversely affected. •Although COVID-19 affects older people most severely, a significant proportion of those hospitalised are under the age of 60. •We know that you can contract COVID-19 more than once and are unsure how long any immunity to the virus lasts after exposure. •The vaccines offer protection against the virus and prevent the risk of experiencing a severe form of the disease. •Receiving a vaccine could prevent you from requiring hospitalisation. •Vaccination reduces the volume of the population who can contract and spread the virus, reducing the disease burden in the community.
‘I think my body can fight the virus on its own’	•Younger individuals are less likely to experience severe COVID-19, however there is still the risk of this happening. •It is also possible to get re-infected with the virus, although evidence suggests the reinfection results in less severe illness. •The immune system can exhibit extreme reactions to the COVID-19 virus, but it is very unlikely to react in such a way to the vaccines. •Reducing your risk of contracting and therefore spreading COVID-19 helps to protect others. •Reducing your risk of contracting COVID-19 also means you are much less likely to need to self-isolate.
‘I just don't know enough about it: Safety and effectiveness concerns’	•The vaccines all significantly reduce the risk of contracting severe COVID-19. •Effectiveness has been shown in individuals of all ages, ethnic backgrounds, and with other health conditions. •No serious side effects have been reported; participants in the early trials have now been monitored for almost 12 months. •The MHRA have been monitoring the vaccines' safety extremely carefully, as they do with all other vaccines.
‘Other people need it more than me’	•The Joint Committee for Vaccines and Immunisations (JCVI) has identified a priority list for vaccine dissemination. •If someone is offered a vaccine, it means they have been identified as being in a priority group. •Receiving a vaccine does not detract from someone else receiving a vaccine.
‘I don't believe in vaccines: Safety and effectiveness concerns’	•Vaccines save millions of lives every year and there is no evidence for adverse effects of the COVID-19 vaccines.
‘I'm worried I would have to wait 12 weeks before I get my second dose’	•This decision was taken because it allows twice as many people to get some protection against the virus, offering the greatest opportunity to save lives. •The first vaccination offers short-term protection, while the second booster dose provides long-term protection. •Delaying the second dose from 3 to 12 weeks also gives the immune system longer to develop immunity. •In the Oxford-AstraZeneca vaccine trials, a longer gap between doses offered better protection.