Doha: Hamad Medical Corporation (HMC) has urged public to take part in the recently launched research study to find people’s attitudes towards a COVID-19 vaccine.
The survey ‘COVID-19 Vaccination Attitudes and Awareness - Qatar National Survey’ which is being led by HMC’s Mental Health Service, can be completed online in either Arabic or English. The survey has a set of questions related to medical history, general attitude towards life and some directly related to the COVID-19 and vaccines.
Assistant Executive Director, HMC, Mental Health Service, Dr. Wesam Smidi said that by taking part in the survey people can help in future decision-making and advocacy plans as Qatar makes plans for arrival of the COVID-19 vaccine.
The survey categorically collects attitude and knowledge of HMC staff and others.
“The Mental health service in HMC, in collaboration with Chair of the National Health Strategic Group on COVID-19 and Head of Infectious Diseases at HMC, Dr. Abdullatif Al Khal, and the HMC media department are all working together to conduct a survey that will assess the knowledge attitude and willingness of the staff at HMC and community in taking the COVID-19 vaccine,” he said in a video message posted by HMC on its social media accounts.
Pharmaceutical companies around the world are working overtime to develop a safe and effective vaccine for COVID-19 and Qatar has already signed two agreements with Pfizer and BioNTech, and Moderna to procure a COVID-19 vaccine as soon as it is released for global use.
Several vaccines are in the process of undergoing clinical trials and only once all necessary regulatory approvals have been given will they be approved for distribution.
While a date for the vaccine’s availability is not yet known, Qatar is committed to working proactively with a number of companies to ensure the most vulnerable members of our society can receive the vaccine as soon as possible.
“The aim of the survey will be to review and assess all the feedback we have received and look at ways to address any challenges or concerns that may arise from taking the vaccine. This provide a sense of protection that is needed to improve the wellbeing of ourselves and the community. So we ask you to please click the survey link at the HMC website and take the survey today,” said Dr. Smidi.
The survey can be completed online here: https://www.research.net/r/59SDHKD
The survey also has categories of questions on differing views, knowledge on efficacy and safety of vaccines. It also asks for information related to experience in taking flu and childhood vaccines.
Dr. Smidi has also emphasized that COVID-19 has disrupted many aspects of life, particularly mental wellbeing of people. “The ongoing pandemic has unfortunately taken the mental wellbeing of ourselves and the community at large and it is evident with rapid number call that has been received at the National Mental Health Helpline seeking for help,” he said.
