Moderna conducted a perception survey in five countries, including Korea
“Providing accurate information will increase vaccination”
Even though the fatality rate of COVID-19 is higher than that of the flu, awareness of the disease appears to be significantly lower than that of influenza (flu). In Korea, the hospitalization rate of COVID-19 is more than four times higher than that of the flu, and Long Covid, a chronic COVID-19 syndrome, is also emerging as a serious health problem.
According to the global biotechnology company Moderna on the 28th, this was the result of a COVID-19 awareness survey conducted by Moderna on 5,032 adults aged 18 and older in five countries: Korea, Taiwan, Singapore, Japan, and Hong Kong. This survey was conducted in September and October through global market research firm Dynata to examine awareness of COVID-19 and influenza diseases and preventive health.
In questions assessing disease risk awareness, 17.6% of respondents aged 60 or older in Korea responded that COVID-19 is a high risk factor for health, and the response rate for flu was 14.7%, indicating that the two diseases are perceived at a similar level. .
In a survey on the importance of vaccination, 54.2% of domestic respondents answered that ’annual flu vaccination’ is important to prevent infection and protect health, but only 14.5% responded positively to the importance of ‘annual COVID-19 vaccination’. It was just that. The difference in perception between the two diseases was approximately three times.
Additionally, only 14.7% of those aged 60 or older recognized the importance of receiving the COVID-19 vaccine, which was lower than the East and Southeast Asia average (18.1%).
Regarding the intention to receive the updated COVID-19 vaccine, 57.8% of respondents aged 60 or older in Korea responded that they would get vaccinated, recording a high figure. Recently, the Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency emphasized the need to expedite vaccination as elderly people over 65 years old and those with weakened immune systems may face more serious situations, such as severe complications when infected with COVID-19.
In Korea, it was also confirmed that providing information on the effectiveness of the COVID-19 vaccine was the most important factor in deciding to be vaccinated. 29.3% of respondents selected ‘information about effectiveness’ as the most important factor in deciding to get vaccinated. It recorded the highest figure among the markets participating in the survey.
The biggest reason for hesitating to get vaccinated was ‘concern about side effects’. 56.3% of domestic respondents chose concerns about side effects as a barrier to vaccination, the highest rate among East and Southeast Asian markets.
These results show that providing the public with clear and reliable information about the efficacy and safety of COVID-19 vaccines is key to increasing vaccination rates and strengthening public health.
According to the Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency, there is an important preventive effect in healthy adults when vaccinated against COVID-19, and in addition to preventing infection, the vaccine is important by lowering the risk of severe illness and death. The most common adverse reactions after vaccination include redness and pain at the injection site, but most are known to disappear within 1 to 2 days.
Kim Sang-pyo, CEO of Moderna Korea, said, “COVID-19 has entered the endemic stage, but the disease burden is still higher than the flu, so continuous protection through vaccination is necessary.” He added, “Moderna is conducting a COVID-19 vaccination campaign to ensure the efficacy and safety of the vaccine.” “We will do our best to provide accurate information and protect people’s health in preparation for a resurgence of the disease,” he said.
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What are the main reasons for the low perception of COVID-19 vaccinations in Korea compared to influenza?
Time.news Interview: Addressing COVID-19 Vaccination Perception in Korea
Editor: Welcome to Time.news. Today we have Dr. Emily Hahn, an infectious diseases expert involved in vaccination awareness campaigns. Thank you for joining us, Dr. Hahn!
Dr. Hahn: Thank you for having me. It’s a pleasure to be here.
Editor: The recent survey conducted by Moderna highlighted a concerning trend in Korea regarding the perception of COVID-19 compared to influenza. Despite COVID-19 having a significantly higher fatality rate and hospitalization rate, awareness about it appears to be alarmingly low. What do you think accounts for this discrepancy?
Dr. Hahn: It’s indeed troubling. One key factor appears to be the long-standing cultural view of influenza as a familiar threat. COVID-19, despite its severity, may still seem distant to many, especially after the initial waves of infections have subsided. People often tend to underestimate new threats than those they have experienced regularly.
Editor: The survey revealed that only 14.5% of respondents recognized the importance of annual COVID-19 vaccinations, compared to 54.2% for flu vaccinations. What strategies do you think can be employed to bridge this gap in perception?
Dr. Hahn: Education is essential. The survey indicated that providing information about the effectiveness of the COVID-19 vaccine swayed decisions for many. Health authorities need to clarify the benefits of COVID-19 vaccines in preventing severe illness, especially among vulnerable populations. Campaigns should use relatable narratives and data that demonstrate real-world implications of the vaccines.
Editor: It was also noted that only 29.3% of participants felt that information about vaccine effectiveness influenced their decision to get vaccinated. Why is it critical to emphasize this aspect?
Dr. Hahn: Highlighting vaccine effectiveness is crucial because it directly correlates with people’s willingness to get vaccinated. Many individuals want assurances that the vaccines work and protect them from severe outcomes. By showcasing success stories, case studies, and statistics from reputable sources, we can help build trust and drive the message home that vaccination remains a key defense against COVID-19.
Editor: The survey found that 57.8% of respondents aged 60 and older indicated they would get the updated COVID-19 vaccine. What does this level of willingness suggest about the perceptions of the elderly towards vaccination?
Dr. Hahn: This willingness suggests that there is a segment of the elderly population who recognizes the risks associated with COVID-19, especially with their increased vulnerability. However, we cannot take this for granted. Continued outreach and education are necessary, as there remains a substantial percentage of older adults who are still hesitant. Personalizing communication for this demographic—perhaps through their healthcare providers—could reinforce positive attitudes toward vaccination.
Editor: Considering the growing issue of Long COVID and its implications for public health, how should public health messages evolve to address these emerging concerns?
Dr. Hahn: Public health messaging needs to shift to a dual focus: preventing immediate infections through vaccination and addressing the long-term potential of diseases like Long COVID. People should be made aware that, aside from the acute risks of severe illness during an active COVID infection, there are also chronic risks that can severely impact their quality of life. This broader understanding can motivate higher vaccination rates and adherence to ongoing health recommendations.
Editor: Thanks, Dr. Hahn. if there’s one message you’d like to convey to the public regarding COVID-19 vaccination, what would it be?
Dr. Hahn: I would say: “Stay informed and proactive. Vaccination is a proactive step to protect not just your health but also the health of your loved ones and community. By choosing to get vaccinated, you are contributing to the collective fight against this virus.”
Editor: Thank you for those insights, Dr. Hahn. It’s always a pleasure to discuss such important topics with experts like you.
Dr. Hahn: Thank you for having me!