A recent BCSR opinion poll of Bahrainis regarding the H1N1 vaccine was carried-out by Dr. Mohammed Al-Rumaidh, Director of Opinion Polls and Market Research and Assistant Researcher, Eijalal Bubshait. The survey revealed that 56% of those sampled believed H1N1 to be a serious disease, 31% believed it not to be serious and 13% were unaware of its seriousness.

A majority of respondents (64%) indicated intention to be immunized and 36% indicated that they do not intend to take the immunization. Interestingly, of the 66% who consider the H1N1 serious, only 41% expressed their willingness to be immunized.

The survey results showed that 72% of the sample is worried about being infected by H1N1 or that their relatives will be infected, 64% of these were women and 36% men.

Perhaps more importantly, the poll revealed that 64% are afraid of the side effects of the vaccine. It is worth mentioning that 33% of those afraid of the side effects still expressed their intent to be immunized and despite their worries, 68% of those surveyed stated that they intend to advise those around them to be immunized.

The survey also showed that 77% are aware of the differences in symptoms between H1N1 and ordinary seasonal influenza while 23% are unaware of the differences.

The survey sampled 439 individuals, 41% males and 59% females from the different Governates. The majority of the surveyed had an age range of between 21 – 50 years of various educational levels.