About 60% of partially and fully vaccinated Canadians do not intend on taking a booster shot, according to a Monday poll released by the Angus Reid Institute (ARI). .The poll said there is an emerging schism among Canadians who have taken vaccines. For people who have taken three or four shots, willingness to keep boosting remains high..Among Canadians who have received one or two doses, the poll said 17% would seek another dose. .About 54% of Canadians said their province should offer a fourth dose to adults who want one, as soon as possible, said the poll. It added 18% of Canadians want to wait until the fall. .About 61% of vaccinated Canadians said they are ready to take their next COVID-19 vaccine when eligible, driven mostly by men and women over the age of 54. .The Ontario government expanded eligibility for second COVID-19 booster doses to Ontarians 18 years old and older on Wednesday. .READ MORE: Ontarians aged 18+ years old allowed to take second booster shot.“As we continue to manage COVID-19 for the long term, we’re expanding second booster doses and extending the availability of free rapid antigen tests to give people the tools they need to stay safe and to ensure Ontario stays open,” said Ontario Health Minister Sylvia Jones. .Second booster doses are being offered five months after a person receives his or her first booster. Saying while most people aged 18 to 59 will have strong protection against COVID-19 from their first booster, the Ontario government also said expanding second booster dose eligibility will provide people with more discretion. .The poll said 22% of Canadians do not believe keeping up with vaccines gives a person protection against infection or serious illness. Few people who have received three (7%) or four doses (2%) agree. .About 71% of women over the age of 54 said provinces should roll out fourth doses as soon as possible, the highest number among age and gender varies. Meanwhile, 36% of men under the age of 55 said fourth doses are unnecessary. .Albertans are the least likely to take a booster dose, with 31% support. British Columbians and Atlantic Canadians want boosters the most, averaging at about two-thirds support. .The ARI said 62% of Canadians would be willing to receive a vaccine once a year for as long as necessary, assuming it was recommended by doctors and public health officials..The ARI conducted an online survey from July 13 to 15 among a representative randomized sample of 1,583 Canadian adults who are members of the Angus Reid Forum. A probability sample of this size would carry a margin of error of +/- 2 percentage points 19 times out of 20.
