AZ Struggling w/Safety Perceptions, FRA Pop Most Jab Wary

Latest poll from YouGov America shows the AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccine struggling in public perceptions, especially in Europe, following incorrect comments issued by national and EU leaders on the efficacy of the vaccine.

• NET perceived safety of each COVID-19 vaccine in each country: AstraZeneca / Pfizer / Moderna - UK: +76 / +73 / +59, Germany: +3 / +47 / +30, France: -11 / +20 / +6, Italy:+38 / +53 / +45, Spain: +34 / +60 / +52, US +24 / +38 / +38. Fieldwork 23 Feb-2 Mar
• French respondent's overall trust in all three of the vaccines is markedly lower than in the other nations polled, and ties into the long-running and regionally concerning theme of widespread vaccine scepticism in France.
• Comments from French President Emmanuel Macron saying the AZ vaccine was 'quasi-ineffective' for over 65s (subsequently proved to be categorically wrong) caused major political ructions in Europe.
• Initially a number of EU member state health organisations did not recommend the use of the AZ vaccine in over 65s, but seeing strong effectiveness of the vaccine in the UK - where its rollout is widespread - has seen a change in tack with most countries now recommending the use of the vaccine in all age groups.
• Vaccine rollout in France is broadly similar to the EU average and similar-sized peers at present (9.15/100 population for France, 9.6 for the EU as a whole, 9.74 for Germany, 9.56 for Italy). However, concern may start to creep in over the coming months if France's numbers begin to plateau as the vaccine is offered to younger age group less at risk of COVID-19. Low takeup from this group could see the country vulnerable to major outbreaks compared to nearby countries with high vaccine takeup.