Southern Coloradans respond to national poll on COVID-19 vaccine

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. (KRDO) -- Only 49% of Americans responding to a recent survey said they would take a vaccine for COVID-19 if and when it's available.

The survey of 1,056 people found that 31% are undecided about taking a vaccine and 20% said they won't take it.

Pharmaceutical companies, health experts and the federal government are working on developing a vaccine, hopefully having it ready by late this year or early next year.

More than 100 vaccines currently are being tested around the world, with eight human trials -- including two in the U.S.

The survey revealed that fear of harmful side effects (70%) and of contracting the virus (42%) were the top two reasons given by respondents for not wanting to take the vaccine.

Other survey results: Older respondents were more likely to be willing to take the vaccine; African-Americans and Hispanics were less likely to do so.

According to experts, a vaccine is necessary because the virus is described by some as being ten times deadlier than seasonal flu strains for people at highest risk, and because of concern that the virus may itself become seasonal.

The survey was conducted by the Associated Press and the NORC Center for Public Affairs Research.

View the video clip attached to this story to hear what Colorado Springs-area residents think about a COVID-19 vaccine.