Earlier this month, Russia became the first country to approve a vaccine against novel coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), however, the August 11, 2020 announcement was met with global skepticism regarding the safety and effectiveness of the vaccine, called "Sputnik V."
With the number of confirmed COVID-19 cases in the US approaching 5.8 million and the death toll inching toward 200 000, how trusting are US adults of Russia's Sputnik V COVID-19 vaccine? To answer that question and more, data science company Piplsay surveyed 30 413 US adults aged ≥18 years between August 18-19, 2020. For more survey insights, click through the slideshow below.
Majority of Americans hesitant to trust Russia's COVID-19 vaccine. Overall, 67% of respondents said they are wary about trusting Russia’s Sputnik V COVID-19 vaccine without proof; 56% believe Russia approved the vaccine hurriedly to outrace other countries; and 49% are either not interested or are unsure about getting a COVID-19 vaccine.
When asked if they were aware of Russia's approval of its first COVID-19 vaccine, Sputnik V, 62% of respondents said "yes" and 38% said "no."
When asked about their thoughts regarding Sputnik V, 56% of respondents said it feels more like a global race for the vaccine, 28% said "not sure," and 16% said Russia may have genuinely cracked the COVID-19 vaccine.
Having witnessed the devastating consequences of the COVID-19 pandemic, respondents were asked if hearing the news about Sputnik V provided them some comfort and the majority (67%) of respondents said "no" (37% said not until its efficiency is proven and 30% do not trust it at all). Also, 17% of respondents said "not sure" and 16% said "yes."
When asked how interested they would be in getting a proven COVID-19 vaccine if one becomes available, 51% of respondents said they were very interested, 22% said they were not sure, 14% said they were not interested at all, and 13% said not very interested.
Additional insights. More men (64%) are keen to believe in Russia's vaccine success vs women (36%); 82% of baby boomers and 63% of Gen Xers do not trust Sputnik V as of now; 50% of Millennials and 47% of Gen Xers fear the Russian vaccine may force countries to bypass due processes; and 56% of white and 43% of black respondents are quite interested in getting a COVID-19 vaccine if one becomes available. _________________________________________________________________________________
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