New data suggests more doctors spend time addressing COVID-19 vaccine misinformation than six months ago
Sermo’s most recent COVID-19 Real Time Barometer surveyed 3,050 physicians across 26 countries and showed that while more physicians are hearing fewer concerns from patients about the side effects of the vaccine now (59%) compared to six months ago (72%), more physicians are reporting patients are coming to them with vaccine misinformation vs. six months ago.
Specifically, in our June study (n=3,050 physicians, 24 countries), 45% of doctors said their patients shared misinformation expressing concerns about one or more of the following vs. 53% in our most recent poll:
- The vaccine modifies your DNA
- The vaccine causing infertility
- The COVID-19 vaccine contains a microchip
- Getting the vaccine gives you COVID-19
Sermo launched their COVID-19 Real Time Barometer — an ongoing observational study of physicians' experiences and perspectives on the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic -- in March of 2020. To date, 84,000+ physicians from 31 countries have participated, providing more than 1,200,000 answers on timely and important COVID topics, according to a Sermo press release.
The latest study also shows that now that the FDA has approved the practice, 46% of doctors will encourage their vaccinated patients to get a booster shot even if it’s from a different manufacturer, and 47% of doctors surveyed believe their patients will request the same brand for vaccine boosters.
Some additional findings from the survey include:
- 62% of physicians agree Pfizer will be the brand of booster shot most requested by their patients.
- Doctors are consistent in their belief that patients are more reluctant to vaccinate their children than themselves (59% now vs. 56% in June 2021).
- There was a slight increase in physicians concerned that the biggest hidden consequence of COVID-19 will be long-term financial impact to the healthcare system (57% now vs. 50% in January 2021).
- 87% of doctors say that depression and other mental health issues remain the biggest non-COVID-19 related public health concern.
