Will You Get A Coronavirus Vaccine? Take The Patch Survey

PENNSYLVANIA — The world has been eagerly awaiting the emergence of vaccines to provide the first major pushback against the coronavirus.

But not everyone is clamoring to get it once one becomes available.

The first COVID-19 vaccines are expected in Pennsylvania this month. Pfizer's vaccine was approved overnight in the United Kingdom and is up for emergency use authorization in the United States next week. Moderna is hoping for the same for its vaccine the following week.

Pennsylvania Secretary of Health Rachel Levine has said that while distribution of the vaccine could start as soon as early December, it will take time to immunize the state's entire population.

"Not everyone will be able to get the vaccine right away," Levine stressed during a November news briefing, noting public health measures like wearing masks will continue to play a critical role in fighting coronavirus through 2021.

Once the vaccines are available in Pennsylvania, they'll be distributed in three phases.

In phase one, critical populations, including healthcare workers, EMS responders and essential workers will get the vaccination. Also in the first phase, those 65 and older, as well as residents of congregate care living facilities will be eligible.

In phase two, the vaccine availability will expand to vulnerable, including those with high-risk health conditions.

Phase three is when the vaccine will widely available to all Pennsylvanians.

So Patch wants to know: How do you feel about the safety and efficacy of the COVID-19 vaccines? Do you plan on taking it as soon as one becomes available to you? Has the politicization of the vaccine and virus impacted your feelings on it?

The survey is not meant to be a scientific poll, with random sampling and margins of error, but is meant only to gauge the sentiments of our readers in an informal way.