Educated South Africans More Reluctant to Get Covid Jab, Study Finds

Thursday, February 18, 2021 at 9:21 AM by Reeshni Chetty

- A study by the University of Johannesburg (UJ) and the Human Sciences Research Council (HSRC) has been published

- The study conducted surveys among around 11 000 respondents regarding the Covid-19 vaccine

- UJ and HSRC revealed that about two-thirds of South Africa's adult population would be happy to get the vaccine

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A recent study has suggested that educated South Africans are less likely to get the Covid-19 vaccine. The report states that South Africans who did not complete matric seem to be more willing to take the vaccine.

The study comes from the University of Johannesburg (UJ) and the Human Sciences Research Council (HSRC). UJ made the findings from the study public on Wednesday, 17 February. This coincides with the date President Cyril Ramaphosa and Health Minister Dr Zweli Mkhize received their Covid-19 vaccinations.

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The study found that out of 11 000 respondents surveyed, slightly above 52% would take the vaccine.However, 14% were sort-of on the fence but leaning more to the side of taking the vaccine.

Educated South Africans more reluctant to get vaccinated, study finds. — A recent study by the University of Johannesburg suggests that educated South Africans are less likely to take the Covid-19 vaccine. Image: Stock Photo
Source: Getty Images

Times Live reported that sociology professor Kate Alexander said that about 67% of the population would 'either definitely or probably take the vaccine'. The research survey was conducted from 29 December, 2020 to 6 January, 2021.

HRSC's website revealed that through the survey they were able to show that about two-thirds of adults are willing to take the vaccine in South Africa.

Briefly.co.za recently reported that the first batch of the Johnson & Johnson vaccine had arrived in the country. The Johnson & Johnson Covid-19 vaccine arrived at the OR Tambo International Airport. South Africans are now concerned about the vaccines' expiry date due to the issues with the Oxford/AstraZeneca vaccine.

To 'show good faith' President Ramaphosa and minister Mkhize took the vaccine. Ramaphosa further called upon the leaders in South Africa to get inoculated publically.