FINAL REPORT

COVID-19 STUDY ON CANADIANS' VIEWS
2021-2022

Prepared for:
Health Canada

Prepared by:
Leger

Ce rapport est aussi disponible en français

Contract number: HT372-214310/001/CY
POR #034-21
Awarded 2022-06-16
Contract Value (incl. HST): $224,759.27

Delivery Date: 2022-08-02

Leger
507 Place d'Armes, Suite 700
Montréal, Québec
G1R 2K2
Phone: 514-982-2464
Fax: 514-987-1960

For more information on this report, please contact Health Canada at: hc.cpab.por-rop.dgcap.sc@canada.ca

COVID-19 TRACKING SURVEY ON CANADIANS' VIEWS

Final Report
Prepared for Health Canada
Supplier Name: Leger Marketing Inc.
August 2022

This public opinion research report presents the technical aspects of a tracking survey online conducted by Leger Marketing Inc. on behalf of Health Canada as well as qualitative findings report that provides insight into the eight focus groups that were conducted in June and July 2022. The research was conducted with Canadians aged 18 and over.

Cette publication est aussi disponible en français sous le titre : Étude concernant le point de vue des Canadiens sur la COVID-19.

This publication may be reproduced for non-commercial purposes only. Prior written permission must be obtained from Health Canada. For more information on this report, please contact Health Canada at hc.cpab.por-rop.dgcap.sc@canada.ca or at:

Health Canada, CPAB
200 Eglantine Driveway, Tunney's Pasture
Jeanne Mance Building, AL 1915C
Ottawa, Ontario K1A 0K9

Catalogue Number:
H14-389/1-2022E-PDF

International Standard Book Number (ISBN):
978-0-660-45564-8

Related publications (registration number: POR 034-21):
Étude concernant le point de vue des Canadiens sur la COVID-19 2021-2022
Catalogue Number (Final Report, French):
H14-389/1-2022F-PDF
ISBN:
978-0-660-45565-5

Table of Contents

• 1. Executive Summary
  • 1.1 Background and Objectives
  • 1.2 Quantitative Methodology
  • 1.3 Qualitative Methodology
  • 1.4 Overview of Qualitative Findings
  • 1.5 Notes on the Interpretation of the Findings
  • 1.6 Declaration of Political Neutrality and Contact Information
• 2. Detailed Quantitative Methodology
  • 2.1 Wave 9
  • 2.2 Wave 10
  • 2.3 Wave 11
  • 2.4 Wave 12
  • 2.5 Wave 13
  • 2.6 Wave 14
• 3. Detailed qualitative results
  • 3.1. Feelings towards COVID-19
  • 3.2. Reasons for getting vaccinated or not
  • 3.3. Intention to get booster doses
  • 3.4. Other aspects of vaccine confidence
  • 3.5. Vaccine safety and effectiveness
  • 3.6. Public health measures
  • 3.7. Mental health
  • 3.8. Message testing
• APPENDIX A - Detailed Research Methodology
  • A.2 Quantitative Methodology
  • A.3. Qualitative methodology
• APPENDIX B – SURVEY WAVE 9
• APPENDIX C – SURVEY WAVE 10-11-12
• APPENDIX D – SURVEY WAVE 13
• APPENDIX E – SURVEY WAVE 14
• APPENDIX F – SCREENING GUIDE
• APPENDIX G – MODERATOR GUIDE (ADULTS GENERAL POPULATION)
• APPENDIX H – MODERATOR GUIDE (PARENTS)

1. Executive Summary

Leger is pleased to present the Government of Canada, Health Canada (HC) and the Public Health Agency of Canada (PHAC) with this report on the methodology used for this quantitative and qualitative study on health-related public opinion during the COVID-19 pandemic.

This report was prepared by Leger who was contracted by Health Canada (contract number HT372-214310/001/CY awarded June 16, 2022).

1.1 Background and Objectives

As part of their mandate to promote and protect Canadians' health as well as respond to public health emergencies, Health Canada and the Public Health Agency of Canada needed to gain a solid understanding of Canadians' level of awareness, knowledge, concerns, behaviours and opinions on specific COVID-19 related issues, as well as vaccines more broadly. This research provided HC and PHAC essential health-specific information to support their ongoing public health response and communications.

To that end, HC and PHAC implemented a study with multiple survey waves combined with focus groups to provide qualitative information. This project made it possible to survey the opinions of the Canadian population and measure the evolution of behaviours several times over the course of a few months.

The research allowed the Government of Canada to develop and refine communication activities to meet the specific needs of Canadians with timely, up-to-date, easily understood information based on the current perceptions of Canadians in the requisite COVID-19 areas and vaccines more broadly.

General objectives were established for all seven waves of the study (six quantitative waves and one qualitative). In addition, specific objectives for each wave were also established. The specific objectives of each wave are mentioned in the methodology section.

The general objectives were to understand Canadians' level of awareness, knowledge, concerns, behaviours and opinions on specific COVID-19 issues such as, but not limited to:

• Individual public health measures
• Approved COVID-19 rapid tests
• COVID-19 vaccines/vaccination
• Vaccine confidence broadly
• COVID-19 variants
• COVID-19 passport
• Risk perceptions and decision making, including among vulnerable populations
• Mental health
• Sociodemographic characteristics
• Measure changes in behaviours and attitudes over time
• Travel

To achieve the study's objectives, a research plan based on a hybrid method, with qualitative and quantitative components, was developed. The two phases of the research were conducted in parallel: one phase being independent of the results of the other.

For the quantitative portion, eight initial waves of web surveys were conducted as part of this project during 2020-2021. Information regarding those waves is available in the following report: COVID-19 Tracking Survey on Canadians' Views 2020-2021 (Catalogue Number: H14-389/2021E-PDF). This report covers waves 9 to 14 only.

1.2 Quantitative Methodology

The quantitative part of this study was conducted through a web-based survey of the Canadian population aged 18 and over who can speak English or French. The respondents were randomly selected through the Leo panel, Leger's panel.

Six waves of the study were conducted for the second portion of the research project. Details on methodology for each wave are provided in this methodological report.

The results of this survey are not statistically projectable to the target population, because the sampling method used does not ensure that the sample represents the target population with a known margin of sampling error. Reported percentages are not generalizable to any group other than the sample studied, and therefore no formal statistical inferences can be drawn between the sample results and the broader target population it may be intended to reflect. Survey data is weighted to ensure that they replicate what the latest census would indicate in the composition of the adult population of Canada. Details regarding the weighting procedures and participation rate can be found in Appendix A.

1.3 Qualitative Methodology

Leger conducted a series of eight online discussion sessions with French and English speaking Canadians of 18 to 34 years of age, French and English speaking Canadians of 35 to 60 years of age, and French and English speaking parents.

Conducting the discussion sessions online offered the opportunity to regroup people from all regions in Canada. Five sessions were held in English and three were held in French. For each online discussion session, ten participants were recruited by our professional recruiters. A total of 64 recruits participated in the online discussion sessions. All participants in each discussion session received an honorarium of $135. All groups were scheduled to be held on June 20, 21 or 22, 2022. However, due to technical difficulties, two groups had to be rescheduled in the last week of June and one in July. Each session lasted approximately 120 minutes. Every session was recorded for analysis purposes.

The recruitment and discussion guides can be found in Appendix F, G and H respectively.

Locations and dates

Groups were held in the following regions on the dates specified in Table 3.

1.4 Overview of Qualitative Findings

• With regards to feelings towards COVID-19, participants generally agreed that the health emergency and that the risks related to COVID-19 were no longer as present and pressing as in recent months and/or years. Many believed that we are at a point where we will have to live with the virus and the risks associated with it, often comparing COVID-19 to a "heavy flu". They generally feel like COVID-19 is likely to "remain in the background in some shape or form" for the foreseeable future.
• Participants working with vulnerable people, those with vulnerable family members or those who were more vulnerable seemed to be more sensitive to the need to remain careful compared to other participants. Some of these participants felt that the loosening of restrictions and safeguards happened a bit quickly.
• When it comes to getting the COVID-19 vaccine, the fact that a valid proof of vaccination was mandatory for many things, the desire to be able to do social activities and to travel again were among the main reasons that influenced participants. Other mentioned the fear to lose their jobs, the desire to protect their community or that they simply trust science and the health authorities as a motivation to get vaccinated. Only a few mentioned the possible long-term effects of having COVID-19 as a reason to get the vaccine. Parents expressed their concern to be responsible for their children being hospitalized as a result of being infected with COVID-19 if not vaccinated.
• The rapid development of the vaccines and the uncertainty surrounding potential risks associated with them and the lesser-known mRNA technology were mentioned by many participants as the reasons why they did not get vaccinated. Allergies, specific health conditions, and the unknown risks for pregnant or breastfeeding women and their children were also mentioned by some participants. Some participants mentioned not being at risk enough for getting vaccinated or preferring to rely on their own immune system rather than on a vaccine. Long-COVID and the availability of antiviral treatments did not seem to have an impact on their decision. Overall, the COVID-19 pandemic did not have much of an impact on views and decisions related to vaccines in general.
• Regarding booster doses, participants were mostly waiting to see how the pandemic will evolve before getting them. They often did not seem to find it necessary at the moment with the COVID-19 situation seeming less threatening. A few participants mentioned planning to get the booster doses in the next months, when they would be eligible. Others said they refused to take any booster dose, some of them specifying that they would not take it unless there were clear incentives such as having to keep their proof of vaccination up-to-date to travel or to go out, for example. Some participants stated that the short-term side effects they experienced after getting the vaccine prevented them from getting booster doses.
• The participants had mixed perceptions of the effectiveness of the vaccine. Some of them considered that preventing serious outcomes such as hospitalization could be considered effective, while others considered vaccines ineffective if they do not completely prevent getting or spreading the disease. The fact that booster doses need to be taken more than once a year in order to stay better protected against COVID-19 seemed to weaken considerably the perception of mRNA vaccines being effective among participants. Many participants stated being somewhat unwilling to take new COVID-19 vaccines reformulated for current or new variants of the virus. Some of them specified that they would not take such vaccines unless they prove much more efficient and long-lasting than the existing ones.
• Participants generally mentioned having complied with official COVID-19 measures when implemented by local authorities. They cited washing hands, practicing social distancing, wearing masks, and isolating when showing symptoms of illness as examples. Certain participants added that not having the possibility to work from home or not having access to paid sick leave was a significant barrier to self-isolation. Many participants expressed their concerns and their confusion relating to the reasons for the variations in public health guidelines. Many stated that they did make efforts to follow the guidelines, but that the reasons given to implement many of the restrictions were difficult to understand and communicated poorly. A large proportion of participants agreed that some public health measures should be adopted by Canadians to prevent the spread of illnesses of all kinds. These include washing our hands more, wearing masks when sick and isolating, if needed. However, many were opposed to going back to the imposition of such measures by governments.
• Regarding impact on mental health, abrupt solitude and isolation from friends and family was the main factor mentioned by participants in terms of negative impacts. Respondents who lived alone seemed to have felt a more negative impact on their mental health than those living with roommates, friends or with their family. Loss of employment and revenue also caused acute stress to some participants. Some parents mentioned having struggled with keeping their children isolated from friends and family. They often worried about the impacts of the COVID-19 restrictions would have on their children, including their mental health and social development. The participants mostly agreed that the lifting of measures helped them recover from mental health-related issues, and that they were not anxious about the measures being lifted.
• In regard to message testing, participants agreed overall that the terms Booster, Staying up to date, Primary Series need to be clarified. Participants also mentioned that messages should not be moralizing, ad should be short, simple and easy to understand.

1.5 Notes on the Interpretation of the Findings

The opinions and observations expressed in this document do not reflect those of the Government of Canada, Health Canada (HC) or the Public Health Agency of Canada (PHAC). This report was compiled by Leger based on research conducted specifically for this project.

Qualitative research is designed to reveal a rich range of opinions and interpretations rather than to measure what percentage of the target population holds a given opinion. These results must not be used to estimate the numeric proportion or number of individuals in the population who hold a particular opinion because they are not statistically projectable.

1.6 Declaration of Political Neutrality and Contact Information

I hereby certify, as chief agent of Leger, that the deliverables are in full compliance with the neutrality requirements of the Policy on Communications and Federal Identity and the Directive on the Management of Communications—Appendix C (Appendix C: Mandatory Procedures for Public Opinion Research).

Specifically, the deliverables do not include information on electoral voting intentions, political party preferences, party positions, or the assessment of the performance of a political party or its leaders.

Signed by:

Christian Bourque
Executive Vice President and Associate
Leger
507 Place d'Armes, Suite 700
Montréal, Quebec
H2Y 2W8
cbourque@leger360.com

2. Detailed Quantitative Methodology

This quantitative portion of the study was conducted through a web-based survey of the Canadian population aged 18 and over who can speak English or French. The respondents were randomly selected through the Leo panel, Leger's panel of Canadian Internet users comprising nearly half a million Internet users.

Six waves of studies were conducted for this research project. Details for each wave are provided in the following sections.

2.1 Wave 9

For the ninth wave, a sample of 3,002 respondents (2,278 from the general population, 452 Black respondents and 272 Indigenous respondents) representative of the Canadian population completed the survey. Fieldwork for this survey took place from November 23, 2021, to December 8, 2021.

The objectives of the ninth survey wave were to assess Canadians' behaviour at this point in the pandemic and evaluate their opinions on different topics related to COVID-19. More questions about vaccines and booster shots were asked in this wave.

The questionnaire for the ninth wave can be found in Appendix B.

2.1.1 Quotas

For the ninth wave, the objective was to have a representative sample of the Canadian population aged 18 and over, but also to have a better understanding of the opinions of Black and Indigenous respondents. To do so, the following regional distribution and the following over samples was established:

The actual numbers achieved for the different quotas can be found in appendix A.

As for any general population sample derived from a national survey, the final results were weighted by region, age, gender, language, education levels, presence or children in the household, immigration status, and ethnicity.

2.1.2 Pretest

To validate the programming of the questionnaire, a pretest in both official languages was conducted before the data collection. The following table shows the details of the pretest.

As no problems were detected during the pretest, data collection went forward.

2.1.3 Data Collection

The following table details the collection dates and the number of respondents and recontacts for this wave.

2.1.4 Participation Rate

Below is the calculation of the participation rate for the ninth wave. The participation rate is calculated using the following formula: Participation rate / response rate = R ÷ (U + IS + R). The table below provides details of the calculation.

2.2 Wave 10

For the tenth wave, a sample of 1,005 respondents representative of the Canadian population aged 18 and over completed the survey. Fieldwork for this survey took place from February 7 to February 14, 2022.

The objectives of the tenth survey wave were to assess Canadians' behaviour at this point in the pandemic and evaluate their opinions on different topics related to COVID-19 and their practice of public health measures. Questions about vaccines, booster shots and children vaccination were also asked in this wave.

The questionnaire for this wave can be found in Appendix C.

2.2.1 Quotas

For the tenth wave, the objective was to have a representative sample of the Canadian population. To do so, the following regional distribution was established:

The numbers achieved for the different quotas can be found in appendix A.

For the tenth wave, final results were weighted by region, age, gender, language, education levels and presence of children in the household.

2.2.2 Pretest

To validate the programming of the questionnaire, a pretest in both official languages was conducted before the data collection. The following table shows the details of the pretest.

As no problems were detected during the pretest, data collection went forward.

2.2.3 Data Collection

The following table details the collection dates and the number of respondents and recontacts for this wave.

2.2.4 Participation Rate

Below is the calculation of the participation rate for the tenth wave. The participation rate is calculated using the following formula: Participation rate / response rate = R ÷ (U + IS + R). The table below provides details of the calculation.

2.3 Wave 11

For the eleventh wave, a sample of 1,001 respondents representative of the Canadian population aged 18 and over completed the survey. Fieldwork for this survey took place from February 22 to March 06, 2022.

The objectives of this wave were the same as those of the tenth wave since the same questionnaire was used. The questionnaire for this wave can be found in Appendix C.

2.2.1 Quotas

For the eleventh wave, the objective was to have a representative sample of the Canadian population. To do so, the following regional distribution was established:

The numbers achieved for the different quotas can be found in appendix A.

For the eleventh wave, final results were weighted by region, age, gender, language, education levels and presence of children in the household.

2.3.2 Pretest

To validate the programming of the questionnaire, a pretest in both official languages was conducted before the data collection. The following table shows the details of the pretest.

As no problems were detected during the pretest, data collection went forward.

2.3.3 Data Collection

The following table details the collection dates and the number of respondents and recontacts for this wave.

2.3.4 Participation Rate

Below is the calculation of the participation rate for the eleventh wave. The participation rate is calculated using the following formula: Participation rate / response rate = R ÷ (U + IS + R). The table below provides details of the calculation.

2.4 Wave 12

For the twelfth wave, a sample of 1,000 respondents representative of the Canadian population aged 18 and over completed the survey. Fieldwork for this survey took place from March 8 to March 16, 2022.

The objectives of this wave were the same as those of the tenth and eleventh waves since the same questionnaire was used. The questionnaire for this wave can be found in Appendix C.

2.2.1 Quotas

For the twelfth wave, the objective was to have a representative sample of the Canadian population. To do so, the following regional distribution was established:

The numbers achieved for the different quotas can be found in appendix A.

For the twelfth wave, final results were weighted by region, age, gender, language, education levels and presence of children in the household.

2.4.2 Pretest

To validate the programming of the questionnaire, a pretest in both official languages was conducted before the data collection. The following table shows the details of the pretest.

As no problems were detected during the pretest, data collection went forward.

2.4.3 Data Collection

The following table details the collection dates and the number of respondents and recontacts for this wave.

2.4.4 Participation Rate

Below is the calculation of the participation rate for the twelfth wave. The participation rate is calculated using the following formula: Participation rate / response rate = R ÷ (U + IS + R). The table below provides details of the calculation.

2.5 Wave 13

For the thirteenth wave, a sample of 3,013 respondents (2,286 from the general population, 451 Black respondents and 276 Indigenous respondents) representative of the Canadian population aged 18 and over completed the survey. Fieldwork for this survey took place from April 6 to April 23, 2022.

The objectives of the thirteenth survey wave were to assess Canadians' behaviour at this point in the pandemic and evaluate their opinions on different topics related to COVID-19. Questions were asked about vaccines in general and the resumption of missed vaccines due to the pandemic.

The questionnaire for the thirteenth wave can be found in Appendix D.

2.1.1 Quotas

For the thirteenth wave, the objective was to have a representative sample of the Canadian population, but also to have a better understanding of the opinions of Black and Indigenous respondents. To do so, the following regional distribution and the following over samples was established:

The numbers achieved for the different quotas can be found in appendix A.

For the thirteenth wave, final results were weighted by region, age, gender, language, education levels, presence of children in the household, immigration status and ethnicity.

2.5.2 Pretest

To validate the programming of the questionnaire, a pretest in both official languages was conducted before the data collection. The following table shows the details of the pretest.

As no problems were detected during the pretest, data collection went forward.

2.5.3 Data Collection

The following table details the collection dates and the number of respondents and recontacts for this wave.

2.5.4 Participation Rate

Below is the calculation of the participation rate for the thirteenth wave. The participation rate is calculated using the following formula: Participation rate / response rate = R ÷ (U + IS + R). The table below provides details of the calculation.

2.6 Wave 14

For the fourteenth wave, a sample of 3,009 respondents (2,284 from the general population, 447 Black respondents and 278 Indigenous respondents) representative of the Canadian population aged 18 and over completed the survey. Fieldwork for this survey took place from June 21, 2022 to July 8, 2022.

The objectives of the fourteenth survey wave were to assess Canadians' behaviour at this point in the pandemic and evaluate their opinions on different topics related to COVID-19. Questions were asked about vaccines in general and the resumption of missed vaccines due to the pandemic.

The questionnaire for the fourteenth wave can be found in Appendix E.

2.1.1 Quotas

For the fourteenth wave, the objective was to have a representative sample of the Canadian population, but also to have a better understanding of the opinions of Black and Indigenous respondents. To do so, the following regional distribution and the following over samples was established:

The numbers achieved for the different quotas can be found in appendix A.

For the fourteenth wave, final results were weighted by region, age, gender, language, education levels, presence of children in the household, immigration status, and ethnicity.

2.6.2 Pretest

To validate the programming of the questionnaire, a pretest in both official languages was conducted before the data collection. The following table shows the details of the pretest.

As no problems were detected during the pretest, data collection went forward.

2.6.3 Data Collection

The following table details the collection dates and the number of respondents.

2.6.4 Participation Rate

Below is the calculation of the participation rate for the fourteenth wave. The participation rate is calculated using the following formula: Participation rate / response rate = R ÷ (U + IS + R). The table below provides details of the calculation.

3. Detailed qualitative results

3.1. Feelings towards COVID-19

Overall, the general feeling among participants was that currently COVID-19 does not pose as big of a threat to individuals as it did during the previous waves and the first variants. Participants considered that two years of pandemic coupled with the vaccine advances, along with new strains that are less deadly (even though they are more contagious) have contributed to reducing their worries towards COVID-19. Several participants also mentioned having caught the virus, which has also helped reduce their fear, as they now know what to expect. Most participants had mild cases of COVID-19, with a few reporting more severe symptoms.

Considering that the COVID-19 virus is still present but less dangerous, some participants mentioned that the virus entered or will enter the endemic phase, and comparisons to the flu/influenza have been drawn. Just like the flu, participants felt like while it posed a risk for vulnerable individuals, it was generally harmless to healthy ones. Parents did not set themselves apart from the rest of the participants in terms of feelings towards COVID-19, as they did not feel it posed a serious threat to their children.

In spite of that, participants do still feel that some risks exist, especially when it comes to catching the virus themselves. However, they felt confident about their recovery, as most of them were vaccinated with at least 2 doses. Those who were not vaccinated were trustful of their immune systems to get through the sickness. The participants who mentioned being more vulnerable because of specific health conditions expressed feeling more risks related to catching the virus.

Participants were generally more worried about spreading the virus to their peers (family, friends…) rather than getting it themselves. They were confident in being able to recover if they were to be infected but did not want to spread it to their social circles, especially individuals who had compromised immune systems or were more vulnerable to the virus.

Considering that COVID-19 is still around and still poses some risks, participants felt that governments should draw from the past two years or so of the pandemic and the learnings it has brought to put in place new ways and measures to handle the public health situation. A return to previous restrictive measures such as lockdowns and curfews was seen as highly unlikely. And if they were to happen, participants expressed low buy-in as they were not convinced of the efficacy of such measures. Therefore, participants who were living or working with vulnerable people, and those who were themselves more vulnerable, were more cautious in terms of public health measures. Some of them expressed that they thought the measures were lifted too soon, and others mentioned feeling like they were being left aside from the "return to normal" plans. Vulnerable individuals felt like the lifting of measures might have been too drastic as there were no measures in place to protect their health, leaving it to them to self-isolate and avoid close contact with others, which made them feel a division between them and the rest of society.

Finally, participants were torn regarding the meaning of "being up to date" with their vaccines. Participants mentioned the phrase could have different meanings depending on the context. While some thought it meant having the first two doses, others thought the booster was also included. Others had a more general definition like "being up to date with public health recommendations", or "whatever the government allows you to have", or "getting the most recent shot possible".

3.2. Reasons for getting vaccinated or not

Reasons for getting vaccinated

A majority of participants were vaccinated against COVID-19. Be it their own personal choice or a constrained choice to avoid negative repercussions of being unvaccinated, several reasons and incentives were mentioned by participants. The following list details the most common reasons given by participants as to why they got themselves or their children vaccinated.

• The desire to move on with life and get back to regular social activities such as going to restaurants, festivals, and other events, along with travelling both locally and internationally were the main reasons that got people to get vaccinated. Considering a valid proof of vaccination was required for these activities, finding a sense of normalcy again involved getting vaccinated.
• Some participants also mentioned that vaccination was mandatory in their job, so they had to get vaccinated to keep it. Some of the participants in this case mentioned they would not have gotten vaccinated if they could have kept their job without getting vaccinated.
• Some participants were worried they would get severely ill from COVID-19 if they did not get vaccinated.
• Protecting family members (elders, children, and vulnerable individuals) was also a strong motivator for getting the vaccine. While young children are not particularly vulnerable to COVID-19, their parents still feel a sense of responsibility over their health and well-being, hence the want to protect them.
• Some parents expressed they wanted to do everything in their power to protect their children from getting severely ill from COVID-19. The vaccine was seen as an alternative to severe illness, as parents did not want to live with the thought that they were somewhat responsible in their children getting severely ill.

Some other reasons that were mentioned by participants in favor of vaccination include the following:

• A feeling of responsibility toward one's community: participants mentioned wanting to do their part in protecting the community at large.
• High levels of trust towards governments and public health institutions were also a motivator to get vaccinated.
• People were also influenced by their social circles: observing how peers (friends, family) were reacting to vaccine mandates and their attitudes towards the vaccine informed a normative understanding of what they themselves should do. Thus, individuals who were surrounded by vaccinated people were more likely to get vaccinated themselves, but the opposite is also true.
• Fearing long COVID was also a motivator among some participants.
• Parents felt it was their responsibility to follow public health guidelines and recommendations and vaccinate their children to protect them from severe illness from COVID-19.

Reasons for not getting vaccinated

• The main deterrent to getting vaccinated was the perceived speed at which the vaccines were developed. Because some participants felt they were produced fast, they questioned their safety and reliability. They were dubious about potential side effects that might have not been discovered yet. The rapid development of the vaccines and the uncertainty surrounding potential risks associated with them and the lesser-known mRNA technology were mentioned by many participants who did not get vaccinated.
• This point of view is particularly present among parents, who consider that not enough testing has been done on children before allowing them to get the vaccine. Parents felt it was too early down the line to have full knowledge of the potential long-term side effects of the vaccine, so they preferred to hold off on vaccinating their children in the meantime.
• Specific health conditions such as allergies, along with pregnancy and breastfeeding were also mentioned as deterrents. People were unsure of the risks the vaccine might pose to their own health, and preferred waiting to get more information before getting vaccinated.
• Some people had negative opinions towards vaccines in general, as they felt that in some cases it might be more beneficial to get sick than avoid it. These participants preferred relying on their own immune system to fight off the sickness.
• Some participants did not believe in vaccines at all and expressed reservations about believing in science.
• Some participants agreed on wanting to protect their community from the virus but disagreed on how. They turned to other ways aside from the vaccine to do so: isolation, masks, etc.
• As mentioned previously, some participants observed what was being done around them to decide the best course of action for themselves. Therefore, those with unvaccinated peers preferred staying unvaccinated as well.
• The lifting of public health measures also played a deterring role to getting vaccinated. Earlier on in the pandemic, the uncertainty of the novel situation motivated participants to do their part in protecting themselves and their communities. But with more information now, a majority of them has mentioned not feeling the need to anymore.
• While some parents vaccinated their children to protect them from severe COVID-19 illness, others considered that the potential long-term side effects of the vaccine outweighed the risks of getting sick from COVID-19 and preferred not to vaccinate their children.
• Some parents considered it was not necessary for them to vaccinate their children as illness from new COVID-19 strains is less severe.

Main information sources regarding vaccines

A majority of participants declared turning to acquaintances who work in the public health or medical field for information and advice. While official public health and government websites were still among the most common sources of information, participants have brought up not knowing what to do or believe because of the rapidly changing and sometimes contradictory measures and information communicated by public health officials, which might in turn have led to them turning to acquaintances in the field to try to get more reliable information.

While government and public health officials' legitimacy has slowly eroded over the course of the pandemic, Canadians tried to bridge to gap by turning to acquaintances in the field who were seen as more reliable.

Word-of-mouth in general was also a main source of information, as people also tended to turn to their families and friends in general to make up their own opinion regarding public health measures and vaccines. Hearing about peers who suffered strong side effects from getting vaccinated or boosted was a strong deterrent for some participants. On the other hand, hearing about peers who suffered strong symptoms from COVID-19 infection was also a strong incentive to get vaccinated.

Finally, some participants mentioned doing research on the internet (with no further precision) and on official public health websites, and others mentioned not doing any research as they felt that the vaccination decision was just common sense.

3.3. Intention to get booster doses

Canadians' attitudes towards booster doses were mainly informed by their opinions towards COVID-19 in general. Considering that most participants felt that the worst of the COVID-19 pandemic had passed, they mentioned the lack of incentives for them to get their booster doses. While several of them had gotten their third dose (first booster), most of them mentioned adopting a "wait and see" approach and preferred seeing how the pandemic situation evolves before making up their minds regarding getting any further booster shots. The current situation was seen as not threatening enough to get the booster doses. Less severe COVID-19 strains and lifting of public health measures are the main reasons participants would not get their booster doses.

In addition to that, some participants mentioned their worries regarding the short interval between booster doses and the number of booster doses that have been reached so far. Comparisons with the flu vaccine boosters were drawn. Some participants felt like booster dose rollout might be too intensive.

Considering that some participants mentioned only getting vaccinated because they were obligated (whether for work, or to get back to "normal" life and be able to travel, go to restaurants, etc.), they expressed their unwillingness to get booster doses, unless mandatory (i.e., to have an up-to-date vaccination status).

A minority of participants mentioned wanting to get their booster shots when eligible.

There were mixed attitudes among groups of parents regarding booster doses. Some parents stated that they would actively make sure that their children would get the boosters when they would become available for their age groups, others stated that two doses seemed sufficient and that they would wait to see how the situation evolves before deciding whether or not to get booster doses. Some parents also expressed concerns relating to the frequency of booster doses and some stated that they would not get the boosters unless more efficient versions were conceived which would be resistant against future variants.

3.4. Other aspects of vaccine confidence

Confidence towards the COVID-19 vaccine

While a few participants mentioned they had never heard of long COVID, a majority were familiar with it. The most known symptoms were the prolonged fatigue, the loss of taste and smell, and respiratory issues. A few participants mentioned that long COVID played a role in their decision-making process regarding vaccination, but the majority stated it did not affect their decision to get vaccinated.

Antiviral treatments were not very known among participants. Therefore, they did not have an impact on participants' decision to get vaccinated.

Due to the lack of testing and studies on the effects of the vaccine on children, parents were not trustful of the vaccine. Considering the current situation, most of them prefer the "wait and see" approach for themselves. One participant mentioned they would rather test the vaccine on themselves before getting it for their children. But when it came to older children (aged 12 or older), parents included them in the discussion and let them make up their own mind regarding vaccination.

A majority of participants agreed with the statement "I am comfortable with the possibility of becoming infected with COVID-19 and not getting vaccinated.", while some agreed with the statement "It's important to continue to protect myself from serious illness from COVID-19 by getting vaccinated, including getting booster doses". Participants who agreed with the first statement were therefore much less anxious towards COVID-19 infection and illness and seemed ready to be infected as they perceive the virus to be less dangerous.

Participants were torn regarding whether the decision to get vaccinated is an individual decision or a contribution to the public good. They acknowledged the importance of doing one's role to protect the community against the virus, but they highlighted the fact that individuals should still have their say on getting vaccinated or not and that there are other ways of protecting their community (i.e., social distancing, staying home when sick, etc.).

Confidence towards vaccines at large

The pandemic did not seem to have an impact on participants' views regarding vaccines at large. Participants made a clear distinction between the COVID-19 vaccine and so-called "routine vaccines" that are administered mainly during childhood. The perceived legitimacy of "routine vaccines" is much higher than that of the COVID-19 vaccine, as the former are seen as much safer considering how long they have been around. Parents therefore mentioned still planning on vaccinating their children and keeping them up to date with their routine vaccines. Only one participant mentioned they would think differently about routine vaccines from now on. Other than that, participants actually noted that the pandemic had a positive effect on their knowledge of vaccines and how they are developed and manufactured.

However, parents were unsure about what routine vaccines their children received or had to receive. They strongly relied on their schools and family doctors to keep up with their vaccines.

3.5. Vaccine safety and effectiveness

Participants were dubious regarding the safety of COVID-19 vaccines. The main concern was how fast these vaccines were developed and put on the market. Long-term side effects that have yet to be studied were also an impacting factor. However, some participants stated their full confidence in public health institutions and scientists regarding vaccine safety. Participants acknowledged that while some risks or side effects might have not been discovered yet, they still trusted public health and health care experts. The perceived safety of the COVID-19 vaccines was also hindered by the short-term side effects some participants reported experiencing, that in some cases dissuaded them from getting booster doses. Finally, participants seemed attentive to word-of-mouth and hearsay about side effects of the vaccine. Some participants reported having heard of people having negative experiences with the vaccine, which contributed to shaping their own negative perception towards the vaccine and its safety.

Regarding vaccine effectiveness, participants had mixed perceptions. While some considered them effective because they prevent serious forms of the disease, others deemed them useless because they did not prevent infection and spreading of the virus. Most people however agreed that vaccines were effective in reducing the strain on the health care system.

The perceived effectiveness of booster doses was negatively influenced by the frequency at which they need to be administered: once again, participants compared the COVID-19 booster with the flu booster, as the latter only needs to be taken once a year. Mutations of the COVID-19 virus and the emergence of various strains that require new adjusted booster shots have contributed to weakening the perceived effectiveness of the booster shots.

For the reasons stated above, many participants expressed unwillingness to get new booster doses. Some mentioned they would only take them if they proved to be longer lasting and more efficient than current boosters.

While conspiratorial beliefs were rare among participants, some expressed their lack of understanding of boosters and shared incorrect and false information about the COVID-19 vaccine. Participants mentioned that if the vaccine effectively protects from the COVID-19 virus, then boosters should not be needed. It was also mentioned that they found it curious that vaccines are being recommended considering that the immune system is supposed to fight the virus after remembering it. Others mentioned anecdotal facts about vaccines at large, and a participant even mentioned that vaccines were just part of a fearmongering campaign strategy. Aside from these isolated beliefs, most participants stuck with the official information shared by official institutions regarding the vaccine situation, even though concerns were shared.

3.6. Public health measures

The participants generally mentioned having complied with official COVID-19 mandates when implemented by local authorities. They cited washing hands, practicing social distancing, wearing masks, and isolating when showing symptoms of illness as examples of measures they consistently complied with. However, some participants stated that not having the possibility to work from home or not having access to paid sick leave was a significant barrier to comply with self-isolation.

Many participants stated that although they were making efforts to follow the official public health guidelines, the rationale supporting the imposition of measures and restrictions gradually became less clear and coherent. Many participants indicated that the reasons given by their local authorities for implementing or lifting different measures were communicated very poorly, and that the variety of sources giving out different information, such as different institutions or levels of government, significantly added to the general uncertainty or confusion. Many respondents also expressed their feeling that the implementation or removal of sanitary measures was often based on political considerations rather than on science. Some of them stated that they no longer believed much of the information communicated by public institutions and governments, relying more on their own knowledge and research. Some participants suggested that a single, centralized source of reliable information concerning the pandemic situation and related measures would be beneficial for an improved understanding of the situation among the population. Overall, the general feeling among participants was that governments should leave room for individuals to make their own decisions to protect themselves and their peers as they see fit, rather than imposing measures that are often seen as incoherent.

A large proportion of participants agreed that some of the sanitary measures put in place since the beginning of the pandemic should be permanently adopted to prevent the spread of illnesses of all kinds. They cited wearing masks when necessary, practicing social distancing and isolating when feeling sick, along with more hand washing and better sanitization in general as behaviours that should be maintained beyond the context of the pandemic. However, many were opposed to going back to the imposition of such measures through government mandates. Many participants seemed to prefer a more individualistic approach to health measures in the future, arguing that individuals should be responsible for applying relevant sanitary measures or not based on their activities and their likeliness to put others at risk. Some participants also argued that vulnerable people should be responsible for protecting themselves from being infected with COVID-19. Other participants argued that while the application of sanitary measures should be left more to the discretion of individuals, special efforts and solidarity should be shown in order to protect vulnerable people.

A majority of participants indicated generally not wearing masks anymore now that they are no longer required, unless they are in presence of vulnerable people or in medical institutions. A few participants indicated that they still wear masks in grocery stores, public transit or when they are in crowded places. Many participants also indicated still wearing a mask when showing symptoms of illness or allergies. Very few participants noted that they were feeling judged while still wearing masks in public spaces. On the contrary, some participants mentioned that they were feeling judged if not wearing a mask when displaying symptoms such as a runny nose or sneezing. Some participants from parent groups indicated that their children did not have any issues with wearing masks at school, with the exception of having to wear them while doing sports or in gym class, when it got uncomfortable for the children to wear.

Most participants indicated that people should stay at home if showing symptoms of illnesses to prevent spreading COVID-19 and other illnesses. However, most participants also indicated that they would not necessarily stay at home if they only felt light symptoms, but that they would inform the people they would come in contact with about their symptoms ahead of meeting with them, to ensure that they are comfortable. Many of them agreed that showing two symptoms or more would prompt them to stay home. On the other hand, some participants indicated that not having the possibility to work from home or not having access to paid sick leave was a significant barrier to self-isolation. Those whose income depends on their physical presence at their workplace tended to say that only heavy symptoms significantly affecting their capacity to work would prompt them to stay home and self-isolate. Mixed answers came from groups of parents concerning which symptoms would incite them to leave their children at home, but often included a runny nose, heavy cough, sore throat and fever.

Many participants indicated that the pandemic had somewhat changed their habits when they are feeling sick. They mentioned being more cautious, tending to self-isolate more, communicating their symptoms to the people they would come in contact with and trying to significantly diminish their contacts with others, for example by ordering food instead of going out to the grocery store or to the restaurant.

Some young adults from the French-speaking group admitted that while they respected health mandates in public spaces, they often did not respect them in private. They admitted to reuniting with friends and family and indulging in social gatherings, including beyond curfew hours, when it was not allowed.

3.7. Mental health

Many participants said that their mental health was affected on some level during the pandemic. The impact of the pandemic on mental health seemed to vary greatly depending on each person's living and working situation. Respondents who lived alone seemed to have felt a more negative impact on their mental health than those living with roommates, friends, their partner or with their family. Participants who had to work from home also appeared to be more negatively impacted by the pandemic in contrast to those who were essential workers, due to the lack of social interactions with their colleagues.

Many participants said that the uncertainty that surrounded the pandemic and related government mandates affected their mental health, because they had no indications of how long the situation would last and what impacts it might have on their lives. Respondents from Quebec highlighted the curfews imposed by the provincial government as some of the most difficult moments of the pandemic for their mental health. A few respondents also mentioned that the isolation resulting from the health crisis prompted them to seek professional help and medication.

While some participants indicated that they had the chance to keep working from home and have a steady income, a few mentioned that they lost significant income, which caused them to have severe anxiety. Some others indicated that the inability to practice their favourite sports had a negative impact on their mental health, while others mentioned that maintaining active habits and doing sport during the lockdowns significantly helped them stay positive and healthy.

The participants unanimously agreed that the lifting of restrictions directly played a role in improving their mental health. Of those who said that the pandemic had a negative impact on their mental health, some say that everything is now back to normal because of the restrictions being lifted. Some others say that although the easing of the restrictions significantly contributed to improving their mental state, they are still in the process of recovery.

While many parents said that their children did not experience particular mental health issues, others said that the lack of social interactions had a negative effect on their children's social development and mental health. Some parents also mentioned being worried about their child's development regarding socialisation. However, some of them mentioned that being all at home together enabled them to quickly notice when something was wrong with their children and to address it. Some parents also mentioned that they felt having lost precious time and opportunities for doing activities with their children because everything was closed and that they wouldn't necessarily have the chance to do it again in the future.

3.8. Message testing

Message 1:

Option 1, English: A booster helps protect you against severe illness.
Option 1, French: Une dose de rappel vous protège contre les risques de maladie grave.

Option 2, English: Staying up-to-date with your COVID-19 vaccine helps protect you against severe illness.
Option 2, French: Rester à jour avec vos vaccins contre la COVID-19 contribue à vous protège contre les maladies graves.

The participants' feedback was relatively split between these two options. Those who preferred the first option mentioned that the term "booster", or "dose de rappel" in French, was more precise and specific as opposed to "staying up-to-date", or "rester à jour" in French. A majority of participants agreed on the fact that "staying up-to-date", or "rester à jour", was too vague and could lead to confusion. None of these options were significantly clearer or more motivating to the participants. Among groups of French-speakers, the wording of "maladies graves" raised questions and occasioned many negative comments. French-speaking participants stated that the message should be centred on COVID-19, as "maladies graves" seemed to refer to many different health issues beyond COVID-19, such as cancer, for example. There were no other differences of opinion between demographic groups.

Message 2:

English: Staying up-to-date with your COVID-19 vaccines helps protect you from getting really sick so you can get back to activities and everyday life more quickly if you do get infected.

French : En restant à jour avec vos vaccins contre la COVID-19, vous contribuez à vous protégez contre les maladies graves ce qui vous permettra de reprendre vos activités et votre vie quotidienne plus rapidement dans l'éventualité où vous seriez infecté.

This message was received quite negatively by the participants as no real positive arguments were put forward in favour of it. The message was generally not seen as motivational or meaningful, and many aspects of it raised questions. Many participants spontaneously mentioned the confusion produced by the message and the fact that it was too long, poorly worded, and might be more efficient if split into two separate sentences. Once again, the wording "staying up-to-date", or "en restant à jour" in French, proved to be problematic among many participants who did not agree on its meaning and highlighted that it could lead to confusion. Moreover, a few participants indicated that they did not consider this message to be particularly relevant since they felt that life already mostly returned to normal with the removal of most sanitary restrictions by public authorities. Some participants doubted the message's veracity because they did not feel like the vaccines against COVID-19 were all that effective and suggested that including more convincing facts into it would help take it more seriously. Some participants among French-speaking groups again raised the issue of the wording "maladies graves", which they felt was misleading. They mentioned that the current wording of the message led to the conclusion that the COVID-19 vaccine protects against other severe illnesses in addition to COVID-19, which is not the case. They suggested changing "maladies graves" for "conséquences graves" or "complications graves" explicitly related to COVID-19.

Message 3:

English: Staying up-to-date with your COVID-19 vaccines helps reduce the strain of COVID-19 for everyone, and on the health care system.

French : En restant à jour avec vos vaccins contre la COVID-19, vous contribuez à réduire la pression exercée par la COVID-19 sur la communauté et sur le système de santé.

Some participants agreed that this message was true, factual and quite clear. While a few participants appreciated the fact that the strain on the health care system was evoked, many others criticized the moralizing aspect of the message, feeling like the advertiser was trying to play on people's feelings of guilt. Many participants saw this message as a negative campaign playing on fear and indicated that such messages that try to put pressure on people to get vaccinated would likely prove to be counterproductive. Again, a few participants expressed doubts about the veracity of the message, questioning whether COVID-19 vaccines actually help reduce the strain on society and on the health care system. A few participants suggested to remove "for everyone", thus focusing the message on the negative impacts of COVID-19 on the health care system, which they seemed to feel would be more direct and more accurate than the current wording of the message. Positive reactions to this message were more common among groups of young adults. Participants from English-speaking groups warned that the use of the word "strain" in a message related to COVID-19 could cause some confusion since it is very often used to refer to "strains of the virus".

Message 4:

English: A booster dose of mRNA vaccines offers better protection against infection and severe disease, including recent variants like Omicron, than the first set of vaccines alone.

French : Comparativement à une série primaire, une dose de rappel d'un vaccin à ARNm offre une meilleure protection contre les infections et les maladies graves, y compris les variantes récentes comme Omicron.

Reactions to this message were generally negative. While some participants pointed to the reference to Omicron as relatable and easy to understand, many others thought that the message was too long and contained too many different elements. Some participants indicated that the wording "better protection" was too vague and should be explained better. Some respondents said that the message did not convey the impression of the booster providing a significant additional protection against the virus, while some others thought that the message was dismissive of protection provided by the two first doses of the COVID-19 vaccines. Many participants doubted that more technical terms such as mRNA would be understood by a large proportion of the population and suggested removing it. This fourth message seemed to cause confusion especially among French-speaking groups. Again, some francophone participants said that the reference to "infections et maladies graves" gave the impression that the message was about other diseases unrelated to COVID-19. The wording "formes graves de la COVID" was suggested to replace it. Many other participants among those groups indicated that the wording "série primaire" was not quite clear as it was not used much to refer to the first series of vaccines and could lead to confusion. They added that this message might be too technical and that it might raise many questions among the readers rather than provide answers and information. Some participants from young adult groups also felt like the message diminished or discredited the efficiency of the initial doses of the vaccine.

Message 5:

English: Even if you've completed your primary series, protection will decrease over time. A booster dose is important to get because it increases the immune response and helps improve protection against severe outcomes by 90% or more.

French: Même si vous avez reçu votre série primaire, la protection diminue avec le temps. Il est important de recevoir une dose de rappel, car elle augmente la réponse immunitaire et contribue à améliorer de 90 % ou plus la protection contre les conséquences graves.

This message was the most widely appreciated among the participants. They generally found it clear, factual, and welcomed the addition of a percentage as giving a sense of trust. The use of "severe outcomes", or "consequences graves" in French, was also more appreciated than the references to "serious illness", or "maladies graves" in French, seen in previous messages. However, many participants criticized the wording of this message as giving the sense of a sales-like slogan trying to convince them to get the vaccine. The use of "primary series", or "série primaire" in French, was widely criticized by the participants as being unusual and confusing. Participants from English-speaking groups suggested changing the wording, some mentioning the previously used wording "first set of vaccines", or simply referring to "first and second doses" which they thought was clearer. Participants from French-speaking groups mentioned removing "série primaire" but did not suggest alternatives. While some participants mentioned that the message's length would prompt them not to read it, others praised its clarity and indicated appreciating the message despite it being a bit long. Some participants added that the message would gain from being more concise.

Message 6:

English: Some preliminary findings suggest that vaccination may potentially help reduce the risk of developing post COVID-19 condition, if you are infected.

French: Les premières données probantes suggèrent que la vaccination peut contribuer à réduire le risque de développer le syndrome post-COVID-19 si une personne est infectée.

This message was one of the least appreciated by the participants. They almost unanimously denounced its lack of clarity and the uncertainty conveyed by it. This message was seen as a succession of unproven, uncertain and unclear information. The participants expressed their feeling that there was a lack of information in this message or that it was trying to hide something. As such, this message created doubt, suspicion and mistrust among the participants, which seemed to achieve the opposite of motivating them to get vaccinated. Some participants suggested that the studies used to support the facts being brought forward in the message should be made explicit, and that their exact sources should be provided to enhance the transparency and credibility of the message. Some respondents indicated being somewhat confused or never having the term "post COVID-19 condition", or "syndrome post-COVID-19". Some suggested changing it to "long COVID", or "COVID longue". There were no clear differences in opinion between demographic groups regarding this message.

Message 7:

English: You should get vaccinated even if you've been previously infected or think you may have been infected. While a previous COVID-19 infection can provide some protection, up-to-date vaccination—including a booster dose―is recommended to provide longer-lasting, more effective protection against severe outcomes.

French : Il est recommandé de vous faire vacciner même si vous avez déjà été infecté ou si vous pensez avoir été infecté. Bien qu'une infection antérieure à la COVID-19 peut apporter une certaine protection, rester à jour avec ses vaccins - y compris une dose de rappel - est recommandée pour apporter une protection meilleure et plus durable contre les conséquences graves.

This message was one of the most appreciated by the participants. It was perceived as clear and well structured, while also providing an interesting flow of information for the participants. The tone of the message was also appreciated by the participants. The fact that it contains a recommendation rather than an attempt to impose vaccination was perceived positively. Most participants also thought the message was clear and easy to understand. On the other hand, some participants indicated that the message was too long, and many admitted that they would probably not read it completely if they were to come across it in their everyday life. There also were mixed reactions to the addition of "including a booster dose", or "y compris une dose de rappel" in French, within the message. Some participants appreciated the precision it added to the message, while others thought it was not needed and made the message longer than needed.

The message was not received as positively among young adults. Many of them thought the message was too long and criticized its moralizing aspect. Some of them also indicated that beginning the message with "you should" would prompt them to disregard its content. Groups of parents seem to have appreciated this message more than other groups, indicating that it was effective and had more of a conversational feel, which made it easier to understand and more relatable. However, they mentioned that making it more concise would probably improve it.

Message 8:

English: We all have a role to play in keeping ourselves, our families and our communities healthy.

French : Nous avons tous un rôle à jouer pour maintenir notre santé, celle de nos familles et de nos communautés.

In general, most participants rather appreciated this message and its softer, collectivist tone, but many also questioned its relevance. The vast majority of them found it to be self-evident and many wondered whether this message was about COVID-19 or if it was a more general message. Many participants saw this message as unnecessary because it did not seem clearly related to COVID-19. There were no noteworthy differences in opinion regarding this message between demographic groups.

APPENDIX A - Detailed Research Methodology

A.2 Quantitative Methodology

A.2.1 Methods

Quantitative research was conducted through online surveys, using Computer Aided Web Interviewing (CAWI) technology. Leger adheres to the most stringent guidelines for quantitative research. The survey instrument was compliant with the Standards of Conduct of Government of Canada Public Opinion Research. Respondents were assured of the voluntary, confidential, and anonymous nature of this research. As with all research conducted by Leger, all information that could allow for the identification of participants was removed from the data, in accordance with the Privacy Act.

A.2.2 Computer Aided Web Interviewing (CAWI)

A panel-based Internet survey with a sample of Canadian adults from the general population was made randomly from the Leo online panel.

Leger owns and operates an Internet panel of more than 400,000 Canadians from coast to coast. An Internet panel is made up of web users profiled on different sociodemographic variables. The majority of Leger's panel members (61%) have been recruited randomly over the phone over the past decade, making it highly similar to the actual Canadian population on many demographic characteristics. Respondents earn points for each survey they complete and can redeem their points for rewards.

The questionnaires for this project, as well as the material to be tested, were provided by Health Canada. The data collection has been conducted in accordance with the Standards for the Conduct of Government of Canada Public Opinion Research—Series A—Fieldwork and Data Tabulation for Online Surveys.

A.2.3 Quality Control

In addition to pre-testing to ensure the quality of programming, Leger has a process in place to ensure the quality of the responses given by respondents. Leger also has implemented a series of validation questions to ensure the reliability of the results in each survey. The process is outlined as follows:

The research team supervises programming and ensures that each question, response category, and skip patterns have been properly entered and this, even after this information has been verified by two separate programmers and a data analyst, to check for consistency.

In broad terms, Leger's methodological approach for an online survey includes the following steps:

• Program the finalized questionnaire for Computer-Assisted Web Interviews (CAWI).
• Review the programmed CAWI questionnaire to ensure it fully matches the paper version agreed to by the client.
• Test the programming to ensure all skip patterns and filters are working properly. This testing phase includes a thorough review by the research team, as well as the running of multiple automated simulations to check the consistency of frequencies obtained.
• Pretest the programmed questionnaire with qualified participants (conducted each wave if applicable).
• Complete a pre-test of the research instrument with the target population in both English and French (at least 10 completed questionnaires in each language) and make sure that some respondents from all subgroups targeted in the project are part of the pre-test. (Unless there are major changes in the questionnaire after the pretest, the pretest sample will be part of the final sample, otherwise they will be removed from it.)
• Analyze the pretest frequency results the day following the pre-test to ensure all skip patterns functioned accordingly.
• Verbal debrief with the project authority about the pre-test results and make recommendations to adjust the questionnaire if needed. Proceed with a full-field launch.
• Assign a supervisor to a project. A supervisor will be given the responsibility for a workgroup for a specific project and will follow this project from start to finish.
• All questions, issues, or concerns raised to supervisors by interviewers/data entry staff in the course of a project are reported to the research manager before any decision to be made.
• Research managers deliver daily status reports on a survey's progress.
• Review data throughout the data collection process.
• Once the fieldwork is underway, a coding briefing is held so the coders get a better understanding of the types of codes that are likely to occur. The code list is reviewed after 100 cases to adjust for any changes. Upon completion of the field, a final review of coding is held, and codes are adjusted/collapsed as necessary.
• The finalized codebook of open-ended responses is approved by the research manager. Original verbatim information is not erased and replaced by codes. This allows the research manager to go back to the original data if necessary.
• Produce frequencies and tabs.
• Produce the SPSS file and a written top line results document.

Highly trained programmers, assisted by experienced data analysts, program each survey in CAWI then perform thorough testing to ensure that no stone is left unturned.

Upon completion of data collection for online surveys, Leger's data analysts and data processing department will clean the data thoroughly, ensuring that:

• all closed-ended questions are within the allowable or logical range (allowable ranges will be confirmed with the client in any circumstance where it is not obvious from the questionnaire);
• outliers are verified and, if necessary, excluded from the data;
• all skip patterns have been followed correctly;
• data is complete (except where it is intentional and within client expectations);
• information is consistent and logical across questions, with no contradictions in the data.

The data is checked and cleaned after the pretest, after the first night of fieldwork, and at project completion. All numbers are double-checked, and any outliers are also double-checked to ensure the data has been entered accurately in the first place.

All projects have a team of coders assigned to edit, clean, and develop meaningful codes for the answers to open-ended questions. Leger develops the codebook and code open-ended questions accordingly. The same codebook is used for each wave (if applicable). New codes may be created if a specific answer becomes more prominent and the client approves. All data from open-ended questions is checked by different coders to ensure data is accurate and correctly coded. No coded data are going to be processed by our statisticians until a second team of coders has reviewed and approved of all code lists. The codebook is also subject to approval by the project authority.

With Centralus, our proprietary software, project managers can check on frequencies, the number of completes, quotas (if any), and the participation rate at any time during the field. Centralus is most often used internally by research teams as a rapid checker tool for frequencies check and quotas. This "real-time" management tool allows for any issues to be quickly flagged and corrected as well as in managing survey invitations to be sent to reach set quotas for the research. Centralus is also capable of delivering standard frequencies to clients in real-time via the Internet (with a password-protected site). Centralus is an additional project tracking tool in addition to Decipher and both platforms are used by the research teams.

Our Leo technical assistance team is available 7 days a week from 8 am to 9 pm ET to answer any inquiry on the part of survey respondents or help fix technical problems. If a question is submitted by phone or email outside of office hours, the technical assistance team will respond first thing the following morning. Our Leo team comprises individuals who can answer questions in both official languages at all times. This is the Leger advantage.

A.2.4 Unweighted and Weighted Samples and Weighting factors

Wave 9:

The tables below present the geographic distribution of respondents, their gender, age, language, level of education, presence of children in household, ethnicity and immigration status before and after weighting for the ninth wave.

There is no evidence from the data that having achieved a different distribution prior to weighting would have significantly changed the results for this study. The relatively small weight sizes and differences in responses between various subgroups suggest that data quality was not affected. The weight that was applied corrected the initial imbalance for data analysis purposes and no further manipulations were necessary.

Weighting factors for wave 9

Some subgroups are sometimes under or overrepresented in a sample compared to the general population. The weighting of a sample makes it possible to correct those differences. The weighting factors are therefore the weight given to each respondent corresponding to a subgroup of the sample. For the ninth wave, results were weighted by region, gender, age, language, level of education, immigration status, ethnicity and presence of children in the household.

Wave 10:

The tables below present the geographic distribution of respondents, their gender, age, language, level of education, the presence of children in the household before and after weighting for the tenth wave.

Weighting factors for wave 10

Results for the tenth wave were weighted by region, gender, age, language and level of education and presence of children in the household.

Wave 11:

The tables below present the geographic distribution of respondents, their gender, age, language, level of education and presence of children in the household before and after weighting.

Weighting factors for wave 11

For the eleventh wave, results were weighted by region, gender, age, language, level of education, and presence of children in the household.

Wave 12:

The tables below present the geographic distribution of respondents, their gender, age, language, level of education and presence of children in the household.

Weighting factors for wave 12

For the twelfth wave, results were weighted by region, gender, age, language, level of education, and presence of children in the household.

Table 38. Weight by Education Level

Wave 13:

The tables below present the geographic distribution of respondents, their gender, age, language, level of education, presence of children in the household, immigration status and ethnicity.

Weighting factors for wave 13

For the thirteenth wave, results were weighted by region, gender, age, language and level of education, presence of children in the household and immigration status.

Wave 14:

The tables below present the geographic distribution of respondents, their gender, age, language, level of education, presence of children in the household, status of immigration and ethnicity.

Weighting factors for wave 14

For the fourteenth wave, final results were weighted by region, age, gender, language, education levels, presence of children in the household, immigration status, and ethnicity.

A.3. Qualitative methodology

Focus groups

Leger conducted a series of eight focus group sessions with French-speaking and English-speaking Canadians. Conducting the groups online offered the opportunity to regroup people from all the regions in Canada. Three focus groups were held with young adults aged 18-34 years old, three other focus groups were held with adults aged 35-60 years old, and two focus groups were held with parents. The first two demographics were interviewed using the same discussion guide, while the parent groups discussion guide focused on specific aspects relating to children vaccination and health. Overall, three focus groups were conducted in French (one of each demographic), and the remaining five in English. For each online focus group, ten participants were recruited by our professional recruiters. In the end, a total of 64 participants took part in the online focus groups (see table 53 for details). All participants in the focus groups received an honorarium of $135.

The focus groups were conducted online using Focus Vision's CMNTY platform. This platform allowed for video conferencing groups, observers in a separate virtual room, chat between participants and the moderator, and chat between the observation room and the moderator. Each group was 120 minutes long, to ensure the participation of each participant. All sessions allowed for remote viewing by Leger and Government of Canada observers. All groups were scheduled to be held on June 20, 21 or 22, 2022. However, due to technical difficulties, two groups had to be rescheduled in the last week of June and one in July.

Recruitment was carried out by professional recruiters. The recruitment guide (available in the appendix F) ensured that the participants met the profiles sought for each session and that they were equipped to participate in an online discussion session. To do so, they had to confirm that they had a high-speed Internet connexion, a computer or laptop. Group #7 had a low participation rate. Only 5 participants showed up on time for the group. Since the moderator did not receive any messages from clients or observers, it was decided to move forward with the group to avoid having to reschedule another group. Group #7 started with five participants, but two dropped out due to technical difficulties.

Moderation

All focus group sessions were moderated and supervised by a Leger researcher assisted by a research analyst. Two researchers moderated the groups in French and two others moderated the groups in English. The discussion guides (available in appendixes G and H) consisted of a semi-structured discussion guide. It allowed moderators to follow the thread of the discussion and ensured that an array of themes was covered while leaving sufficient room for the participants to express themselves and develop in detail their experiences, ideas, opinions and perceptions.

This qualitative portion of the research provides insight into the opinions of a population, rather than providing a measure in percent of the opinions held, as would be measured in a quantitative study. The results of this type of research should be viewed as directional only. No inference to the general population can be done with the results of this research.

Quality Control

Leger recruited participants with the help of CRC Research, our qualitative recruitment partner, using a hybrid method. First, an online screening was used followed by a final recruitment screening over the phone. The online recruitment enabled us to find many potential candidates that fit the recruitment criteria across all regions of Canada. Then, these potential candidates were contacted by phone by CRC's professional recruiters to confirm their eligibility and that they have access to a computer, a high-speed online connection as well as a webcam to participate in the online discussion session. After being adequately screened and recruited, participants (as well as observers) received detailed instructions from CRC Research on how to log in to the live session and other key information regarding the procedure itself.

The recruitment screener informed participants of all their rights under Canada's Privacy legislation and the Standards for the Conduct of Government of Canada Public Opinion Research. Specifically, their confidentiality was guaranteed, and that participation is voluntary.

After each group, a meeting was organized with the researchers in order to get the general outlines and trends.

SURVEY WAVE 9

Thank you for agreeing to take part in this survey. We anticipate that the survey will take approximately 12 minutes to complete.

Background information

This research is being conducted by Léger Marketing, a Canadian public opinion research firm on behalf of Health Canada.

The purpose of this online survey is to collect opinions and feedback from Canadians that will be used by Health Canada to help inform government actions and decisions.

How does the online survey work? You are being asked to offer your opinions and experiences through an online survey. You have to be 18 or over in order to participate in this survey. We anticipate that the survey will take 12 minutes to complete. Your participation in the survey is completely voluntary. Your responses are confidential and will only ever be reported in aggregate – never in any way that can identify any individual respondent or their responses. Your decision on whether or not to participate will not affect any dealings you may have with the Government of Canada.

What about your personal information? The personal information you provide to Health Canada is governed in accordance with the Privacy Act and is being collected under the authority of section 4 of the Department of Health Act in accordance with the Treasury Board Directive on Privacy Practices. We only collect the information we need to conduct the research project. Purpose of collection: We require your personal information such as demographic information to better understand the topic of the research. However, your responses are always combined with the responses of others for analysis and reporting; you will never be identified. Your rights under the Privacy Act: In addition to protecting your personal information, the Privacy Act gives you the right to request access to and correction of your personal information. For more information about these rights, or about our privacy practices, please contact Health Canada's Privacy Coordinator at 613-948-1219 or privacy-vie.privee@hc-sc.gc.ca. You also have the right to file a complaint with the Privacy Commissioner of Canada if you think your personal information has been handled improperly.

If you are experiencing technical issues while responding to the survey, please contact Leger's technical support team at support@legeropinion.com.

Your help is greatly appreciated, and we look forward to receiving your feedback.

[GDR] What is your gender identity?

Gender refers to current gender which may be different from sex assigned at birth and may be different from what is indicated on legal documents.

Row:

• [r1] Male
• [r2] Female
• [r3] Other
• [r99] I prefer not to answer

[PROV] In which province or territory do you currently live?

Row:

• [BC] British Columbia
• [AB] Alberta
• [SK] Saskatchewan
• [MB] Manitoba
• [ON] Ontario
• [QC] Quebec
• [NB] New Brunswick
• [NS] Nova Scotia
• [PE] Prince Edward Island
• [NF] Newfoundland
• [NT] Northwest Territories
• [YK] Yukon
• [NU] Nunavut

[YEAR] In what year and month were you born?

[AGE2] Would you be willing to indicate in which of the following age categories you belong?

Condition: (AGERef.r1)

Row:

• [r0] Under 18
• [r1] Between 18 and 24
• [r2] Between 25 and 34
• [r3] Between 35 and 44
• [r4] Between 45 and 54
• [r5] Between 55 and 64
• [r6] 65 or older
• [r9] I prefer not to answer

[ETHNIC] Do you identify as any of the following?

Select all that apply

Row:

• [r1] White
• [r2] Indigenous person (First Nations, Inuit or Métis)
• [r3] South Asian
• [r4] Chinese
• [r5] Filipino
• [r6] Southeast Asian
• [r7] West Asian
• [r8] Korean
• [r9] Japanese
• [r10] Black
• [r11] Latin American
• [r12] Arab
• [r96] Other
• [r97] None of the above

[CHILD] Are you the parent or guardian of a child or children under 18 years of age living in your household?

Row:

• [r1] Yes
• [r2] No
• [r99] Prefer not to answer

[CHILD_AGE] How old is/are the child/children?

Condition: (CHILD.r1)

Select all that apply

Row:

• [r1] Under 5
• [r2] 5 to 11
• [r3] 12 to 17
• [r4] Prefer not to answer

[CHILDB] How many children do you have in each of the following age categories?

Condition: (CHILD.r1)

Row:

• [r1] Under 5 years (please enter number of children)
  • Condition: (CHILD_AGE.r1)
• [r2] 5 to 11 years (please enter number of children)
  • Condition: (CHILD_AGE.r2)
• [r3] 12 to 17 years (please enter number of children)
  • Condition: (CHILD_AGE.r3)

[Q1] What is currently your most pressing concern, if any, related to COVID-19?

Row:

• [r1] Physical health
• [r2] Mental health
• [r3] Health of family and/or friends
• [r10] Death of a family member and/or friend
• [r5] Economy
• [r11] Social isolation and/or loneliness
• [r7] Personal financial situation
• [r8] Returning to normal and/or uncertainty about the future
• [r9] New COVID variants
• [r12] Workplace vaccination policy not being applied
• [r13] Having to comply with the workplace vaccination policy
• [r96] Other, please specify:
• [r97] I have no pressing concern
• [r98] Don't know

[Q3] How would you rate your mental health now compared to before the pandemic?

Row:

• [r1] Better
• [r2] About the same
• [r3] Worse
• [r98] Don't know

[Q72] Please indicate if the situations listed below changed for you since the beginning of the pandemic by selecting increased, decreased or the same/no change.

Column:

• [c1] Increased
• [c2] Decreased
• [c3] Same/No change
• [c99] Don't know / No response
• [c97] Not applicable

Row:

• [r1] My consumption of alcohol like beer, wine or spirits.
• [r2] My consumption of cannabis.
• [r3] My consumption of tobacco/vaping.
• [r4] My consumption of illegal/illicit drugs.
• [r5] My level of exercise
• [r6] My consumption of healthy foods

[Q73] What is your primary source of information when seeking credible information on mental health?

Please select only one.

Row:

• [r1] Distress centres or helpline services
• [r2] Employee or student assistance program
• [r3] Government of Canada website
• [r4] Wellness Together Canada
• [r5] Primary care physician
• [r6] Health care professional (i.e. nurse)
• [r7] Provincial, territorial or municipal government website
• [r8] Family and/or friends
• [r9] Colleagues
• [r10] Other national or local non-government organization
• [r11] Social media
• [r96] Other, please specify:
• [r97] I do not seek information on mental health

[Q74] Have you ever heard of or visited the Wellness Together Canada portal, which offers free and confidential mental health and substances use support such as one on one counselling services?

Row:

• [r1] Yes and I have visited it
• [r2] Yes but I haven't visited it
• [r3] No
• [r98] Don't know/Not sure

[Q75] What kind of information would you like to find on a Government of Canada mental health website?

Please select up to 3 choices.

Row:

• [r1] Links to crisis lines or distress centres
• [r2] Links to organizations providing online counselling
• [r3] Violence and abuse information
• [r4] Suicide prevention information
• [r5] Tips for improving your mental health
• [r6] Tips on how to cope with stress
• [r7] How to talk about mental health
• [r8] Information on substance use and mental health
• [r9] Mental illness information
• [r96] Other, please specify:

[Q4] Since the start of the pandemic, have you received any support for coping with mental health during COVID-19?

Row:

• [r1] Yes
• [r2] No
• [r98] Don't know

[Q5] How worried are you, if at all, when thinking about life after the pandemic ends?

Row:

• [r1] Very worried
• [r2] Somewhat worried
• [r3] Not very worried
• [r4] Not at all worried
• [r98] Don't know

[Q6] What makes you feel worried?

Condition: (Q5.r1 or Q5.r2)

Select all that apply

Row:

• [r1] In-person interactions/socializing
• [r2] Being in crowded places
• [r3] Going back to the before pandemic routine
• [r4] Giving up working from home
• [r5] Not knowing if those around me are vaccinated
• [r6] That we will never really end the pandemic
• [r7] Confusion around public health measures
• [r8] Being judged for wanting to wear a mask
• [r10] Being judged for being vaccinated
• [r9] Finding work
• [r96] Other, please specify

[Q7] When you think about what your day-to-day life will look like post-pandemic, do you think it will look more like pre-pandemic times or more like it did during the pandemic?

Row:

• [r1] Pre-pandemic times
• [r2] During the pandemic
• [r3] Neither
• [r98] Don't know

[Q8] To what extent are you paying attention to messages from public health authorities on COVID-19?

Row:

• [r1] To a great extent
• [r2] To a moderate extent
• [r3] To a small extent
• [r4] Not at all
• [r98] Don't know

[Q10] Have you received a COVID-19 vaccine (at least one dose)?

Row:

• [r1] Yes
• [r2] No

[Q11] How many doses have you received?

Condition: (Q10.r1)

Row:

• [r1] 1 dose
• [r2] 2 doses
• [r3] 3 doses
• [r98] Not sure

[Q17] What is the main reason you have not received a COVID-19 vaccine?

Condition: (Q10.r2)

Row:

• [r1] Limited vaccine supply/appointment availability within my community
• [r2] Difficulties making an appointment (e.g., being unsure how to register, challenges with accessing or completing the online registration process, etc.)
• [r3] Difficulties accessing a vaccine clinic (e.g., transportation limitations, being unable to take time off work, lack of childcare, etc.)
• [r4] I am waiting for the COVID-19 vaccine product of my choice to be available to me
• [r5] I prefer to wait a while before getting vaccinated
• [r6] I do not plan on being vaccinated for COVID-19
• [r7] I am worried about possible side effects
• [r8] I don't think it will make a difference in helping to end the pandemic
• [r9] I don't think it will make a difference in helping to ease public health measures
• [r10] I don't think it will protect me against the variants
• [r11] I prefer not to answer
• [r96] Other, please specify:

[Q18] What is the main reason why you would eventually get a vaccination, but would wait a while first?

Condition: (Q17.r5)

Row:

• [r1] I am unsure if the vaccine is safe for me personally (e.g. due to a pre-existing medical condition, pregnancy, allergy, etc.)
• [r2] To ensure the safety of the vaccine (e.g., no negative side effects)
• [r3] To enable priority groups to get vaccinated first (e.g., frontline workers, vulnerable, and marginalized populations)
• [r4] I am too busy
• [r5] To ensure the effectiveness of the vaccine
• [r6] General fear/unease about being first to be vaccinated
• [r7] Need for more information
• [r8] I don't feel I want or need the vaccine
• [r9] To avoid crowds or long wait times
• [r10] I have concerns about the new mRNA vaccines and want to wait for another vaccine
• [r11] I don't think it will make a difference in helping to end the pandemic
• [r12] I don't think it will make a difference in helping to ease public health measures
• [r13] I am worried about possible side effects
• [r14] I don't think it will protect me against the variants
• [r96] Other, please specify:

[Q19] What is the main reason why you will not get vaccinated?

Condition: (Q17.r6)

Row:

• [r1] I am worried about the side effects
• [r2] I don't think it will be effective
• [r3] I am not confident in the safety of the COVID-19 vaccines
• [r4] Not enough testing or research has been done
• [r5] I do not trust the government
• [r6] I do not trust the newness of the vaccine
• [r7] I have already had COVID-19
• [r8] I am not at high risk of getting COVID-19
• [r9] If I get COVID-19, I will not be very sick
• [r10] I am against vaccines in general
• [r11] The vaccine is not recommended for me (e.g., due to an allergy or other pre-existing medical condition)
• [r12] Physical distancing, frequent handwashing and wearing a mask are enough to protect me from COVID-19
• [r13] I don't think it will make a difference in helping to end the pandemic
• [r14] I don't think it will make a difference in helping to ease public health measures
• [r15] I don't have the time
• [r96] Other reason, please specify:

[Q76] Amongst the following factors and thinking about the current COVID context, what would motivate you to get vaccinated?

Condition: (Q10.r2)

Please select up to your top 3

Row:

• [r1] Benefits to my employment/financial situation (e.g., being able to return to work or continue working)
• [r2] Being able to travel within Canada
• [r3] Being able to travel internationally
• [r4] Needing a proof of vaccination to be able to get back to activities I enjoyed before the pandemic
• [r5] Being able to spend time with friends and family in-person
• [r6] Helping to get things back to "normal"
• [r7] Knowing that delta variant cases are on the rise
• [r8] Knowing that the majority of new COVID cases are among those who are unvaccinated or partially vaccinated
• [r9] Knowing that the majority of new COVID hospitalizations are among those who are unvaccinated or partially vaccinated
• [r10] Knowing that even if others get vaccinated against COVID-19, I still need to get vaccinated to be personally protected
• [r11] Getting more information on the COVID-19 vaccine clinical trials, including data on safety and effectiveness
• [r12] Getting assurance that the vaccines are safe for me personally (e.g. due to a pre-existing medical condition, pregnancy, allergy, etc.)
• [r13] Being encouraged by friends or family
• [r97] None of the above

[Q22] As we learn more about real world effectiveness of the COVID-19 vaccines, if a third vaccine dose or "booster" is needed in order to provide protection in the long-term or to protect against new variant strains, would you be willing to get another dose?

Condition: (Q11.r1 or Q11.r2)

Row:

• [r1] Yes, right away
• [r2] Yes, but I would want to wait a bit
• [r3] Unsure
• [r4] No

[Q23] What is the top reason you would not get or are uncertain about getting a third dose or booster dose?

Condition: (Q22.r3 or Q22.r4)

Row:

• [r1] I think I am protected enough with the current dose schedule
• [r2] I had side effects with the dose/doses I already got
• [r3] I'm concerned about how long it will take to get it
• [r4] I'm concerned about the safety of the third dose/booster dose
• [r5] I'm concerned about the long-term effects
• [r6] I need more information on booster doses
• [r7] I prefer to wait a while before getting vaccinated
• [r96] Other, please specify:

[Q77] If a booster of COVID-19 vaccine is recommended to provide protection in the long-term or to protect against new variant strains; would you accept a vaccine that is a different brand from the COVID-19 vaccine products that you previously received?

Condition: (Q22.r1 or Q22.r2)

Row:

• [r1] I prefer my booster vaccine to be the same vaccine brand that I previously received
• [r2] I would get any vaccine recommended to me, even if it was different from the ones I previously received

[Q78A] If a booster of COVID-19 vaccine is recommended to provide protection in the long-term or to protect against new variant strains, would you have a product preference?

Condition: (Q22.r1 or Q22.r2)

Row:

• [r1] Yes
• [r2] No
• [r98] Don't know

[Q78B] Which one?

Condition: (Q78A.r1)

Row:

• [r1] I prefer an mRNA booster vaccine (Pfizer or Moderna)
• [r2] I prefer a viral vector booster vaccine (AstraZeneca or Janssen)
• [r3] I prefer a spike-protein booster vaccine ( ex. Novavax)
• [r97] None of the above

[Q79] Thinking about booster vaccines, which of the following statements best represents you?

Row:

• [r1] I would want to get a booster vaccine as recommended by Health Canada only.
• [r2] I would want to get a booster vaccine as recommended by my provincial and/or local public health authorities even if it differs from what has been recommended by Health Canada.
• [r3] I do not intend to get a booster vaccine
• [r98] Don't know

[Q80] Thinking about your child aged 12-17, have they received at least one dose of a COVID-19 vaccine?

Condition: (CHILDB.r3.check('=1'))

Row:

• [r1] Yes
• [r2] No, I will wait a bit before getting my child vaccinated
• [r3] No, I will not get my child vaccinated
• [r98] Not sure

[Q80B] Thinking about your children aged 12-17, have they received at least one dose of a COVID-19 vaccine?

Condition: (CHILDB.r3.check('>1'))

Row:

• [r1] Yes, all of my children aged 12-17 have received at least one dose
• [r2] Yes, at least one of my children aged 12-17 has received at least one dose
• [r3] No, I will wait a bit before getting my children vaccinated
• [r4] No, I will not get my children vaccinated
• [r98] Not sure

[Q81] How many doses have your vaccinated children aged 12-17 received?

Condition: (Q80.r1)

Row:

• [r1] 1 dose
• [r2] 2 doses
• [r3] 3 doses
• [r98] Not sure

[Q81B] How many doses have your vaccinated children received?

Condition: (Q80B.r1 or Q80B.r2)

Row:

• [r1] 1 dose
• [r2] 2 doses
• [r3] 3 doses
• [r98] Not sure

[Q82] Thinking about your child/children aged 5-11, if a COVID-19 vaccine becomes available to your child/children, would you choose to get your child/children vaccinated?

Condition: (CHILD_AGE.r2)

Row:

• [r1] Yes, as soon as it is available
• [r2] Yes, but will wait a bit
• [r3] No, I will not get my child/children vaccinated
• [r4] My child/children is/are already vaccinated
• [r97] I do not make these decisions
• [r98] Not sure

[Q83] What is the main reason why you would eventually choose for your child/children to get vaccinated, but would wait a while first?

Condition: (Q80.r2) or (Q82.r2) or (Q80B.r3)

Row:

• [r1] I am unsure if the vaccine is safe for them personally (e.g. due to pre-existing medical condition, allergy, their age, etc.)
• [r2] To ensure the safety of the vaccine for children (e.g., no negative side effects)
• [r3] I am too busy
• [r4] To ensure the effectiveness of the vaccine for children
• [r5] Need for more information
• [r6] I would feel more comfortable with them getting vaccinated when they are a bit older
• [r7] I don't feel my child needs the vaccine
• [r8] To avoid crowds or long wait times
• [r9] I think "natural immunity" is better for children than immunity from vaccines
• [r10] I have concerns about the new mRNA vaccines and want to wait for another vaccine
• [r11] I don't think it will make a difference in helping to end the pandemic or ease public health measures
• [r12] My child is very anxious or fearful of vaccinations
• [r13] I am wary of vaccinating my child(ren) in general
• [r96] Other, please specify:

[Q27] What are the main reasons for not choosing to have the child(ren) under your care or guardianship vaccinated with a COVID-19 vaccine or for being not sure?

Condition: (Q82.r3 or Q82.r98) or (Q80.r3 or Q80.r98) or (Q80B.r4 or Q80B.r98)

Select up to 3 reasons.

Row:

• [r1] It will be challenging to make or get to the vaccine appointment
• [r2] I have concerns about possible side effects or that the vaccine will make my child(ren) sick
• [r3] I do not trust the newness of the vaccine
• [r4] I need more information
• [r5] It is not needed (e.g., virus will naturally disappear)
• [r6] There is not enough testing or research that has been done on children
• [r7] I do not believe it will be safe
• [r8] If they get COVID-19, they are unlikely to get very sick
• [r9] I think "natural immunity" is better for children than immunity from vaccines
• [r10] I do not believe it will be effective
• [r11] My child is very anxious or fearful of vaccinations
• [r12] I am wary of vaccinating my child(ren) in general
• [r96] Other (please specify)
• [r98] Don't know

[Q84] Thinking about COVID-19 vaccine for your child/children under 12, which of the following statements best represents what you want?

Condition: (CHILDB.r1.check('>0') or CHILDB.r2.check('>0'))

Row:

• [r1] I want my child(ren) to receive the vaccine as recommended by Health Canada only.
• [r2] I want my child(ren) to receive the vaccine as recommended by my provincial and/or local public health authorities even if it differs from what has been recommended by Health Canada.
• [r3] I want my child(ren) to receive the vaccine as recommended by my primary health care provider only.
• [r4] I do not intend to vaccinate my child(ren).

[Q85] If COVID-19 vaccine products become authorized for use in children under 12, which vaccine products would you prefer your child/children to receive?

Condition: (CHILDB.r1.check('>0') or CHILDB.r2.check('>0'))

Row:

• [r1] Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine
• [r2] Moderna COVID-19 vaccine
• [r3] Any approved mRNA COVID-19 vaccine
• [r4] Any approved spike-protein vaccines ( ex. Novavax)
• [r5] Any approved viral vector COVID-19 vaccine ( ex. AstraZeneca or Janssen)
• [r6] Any approved vaccine
• [r95] No preference
• [r97] I do not make these decisions
• [r98] Not sure
• [r99] I would not get them vaccinated

[Q28] Which of the following factors would make you more likely to vaccinate your child(ren) against COVID-19?

Condition: (Q80.r2 or Q80.r3) or (Q80B.r3 or Q80B.r4) or (CHILDB.r1.check('>0') or CHILDB.r2.check('>0'))

Choose your top three.

Row:

• [r1] Being able to get vaccinated as a family in one visit (e.g., children getting their first dose, adults their second)
• [r2] Being able to get my child vaccinated at a convenient location in my community
• [r3] Assurance that I can be with my child(ren) during the vaccination
• [r4] Assurance from a health professional that the vaccines are safe for children
• [r5] My health care providers' recommendation that my child(ren) gets vaccinated
• [r6] Encouragement from my child's school or school board that parents vaccinate their children
• [r7] Seeing or hearing about friends, family or others I know personally getting their child(ren) vaccinated
• [r8] Understanding the benefits of vaccinating children
• [r9] Seeing or hearing about people that are "like" my child(ren) (i.e., similar age, health status, ethnicity, etc.) getting safely vaccinated
• [r18] Getting more information about COVID cases and hospitalizations among children
• [r10] My child(ren) can return to activities and socialization that they miss and need
• [r11] My child(ren)'s mental health has suffered during the pandemic and I want them to get their regular lives back
• [r12] More information on the COVID-19 vaccine clinical trials involving children, including data on safety and effectiveness
• [r13] More information on what public health measures may be lifted following the vaccination of children (e.g., schools re-opening, the availability of sports and recreation programming for kids, etc.)
• [r14] Vaccinating my child(ren) would contribute to the collective benefit of ending the pandemic
• [r15] Health Canada announces the vaccine is safe for kids under the age of 12 and shares details of their findings from reviewing clinical trials
• [r16] International health organizations say the vaccine is safe for kids under 12 based on findings from testing around the world
• [r97] All my children are already vaccinated
• [r96] Other, please specify:
• [r17] Nothing would make me more likely to vaccinate my child(ren) against COVID-19.
• [r98] Don't know

[Q29] Outside of the COVID-19 pandemic, please indicate the extent to which you agree with the following statement. "I think it is important for everyone to get the recommended vaccines for their children."

Condition: (CHILD.r1)

Row:

• [r1] Strongly Agree
• [r2] Agree
• [r3] Disagree
• [r4] Strongly Disagree
• [r98] Don't know

[Q86] To what extent would you support or oppose the following? Requiring that employees must be vaccinated against COVID-19 and provide proof of vaccination to their employer in order to continue working in-person/on site for their employer.

Row:

• [r1] Strongly Support
• [r2] Somewhat Support
• [r3] Neither Support nor Oppose
• [r4] Somewhat Oppose
• [r5] Strongly Oppose

[Q87] Why do you somewhat or strongly oppose proof of vaccination in the workplace?

Condition: (Q86.r4 or Q86.r5)

Please select all that apply

Row:

• [r1] Loss of privacy
• [r2] I do not want to be tracked by the government or my employer
• [r3] I am concerned about possible discrimination based on my vaccination status
• [r4] Individuals should be free to live their lives as they see fit
• [r5] Its none of their business
• [r96] Other, please specify:
• [r98] Don't know

[grid3] Even if public health measures are eased or lifted in your area, how likely are you to continue to do the following?

Column:

• [c1] Very likely
• [c2] Likely
• [c3] Unlikely
• [c4] Very unlikely
• [c98] Don't know/Not applicable

Row:

• [Q36] wear a non-medical mask or face covering - inside when in public
• [Q37] wear a non-medical mask or face covering - outside when in public
• [Q38] wear a non-medical mask or face covering - inside when in public but only if there are large crowds
• [Q39] wear a non-medical mask or face covering - outside when in public but only if there are large crowds
• [Q40] practice physical distancing
• [Q41] frequently wash your hands for at least 20 seconds with soap and warm water or use hand sanitizer containing at least 60% alcohol, if soap and water aren't available.
• [Q42] staying home when you're feeling sick

[grid4] If some public health measures had to be reintroduced to prevent a widespread outbreak or resurgence, how likely would you be to follow them?

Column:

• [c1] Very likely
• [c2] Likely
• [c3] Unlikely
• [c4] Very unlikely
• [c98] Don't know/Not applicable

Row:

• [Q43] social gathering limits
• [Q44] wearing non-medical masks in public
• [Q45] physical distancing
• [Q46] avoiding non-essential travel

[grid5] In post-pandemic times, how likely would you be to follow public health measures such as mask wearing and practicing physical distancing in each of the following scenarios?

Column:

• [c1] Very likely
• [c2] Likely
• [c3] Unlikely
• [c4] Very unlikely
• [c98] Don't know/Not applicable

Row:

• [Q47] There is low vaccine coverage in the setting or area
• [Q48] There is a local outbreak of COVID-19 cases
• [Q49] Health care or public health capacities are becoming overloaded
• [Q50] The spread of COVID-19 disease is increasing
• [Q51] There are COVID-19 variants of concern in your area
• [Q52] There are other respiratory viruses in circulation (e.g. seasonal flu)

[Q55] Some businesses are implementing workplace screening programs using COVID-19 rapid tests. Employees are tested using a short nasal swab twice per week before entering their workplace to make sure they aren't infected with the virus. If your workplace decided to implement a COVID-19 rapid test screening program, would you participate in it?

Row:

• [r1] Yes, without hesitation
• [r2] Yes, with some hesitation
• [r3] No, I would not
• [r98] Not sure

[Q56] What is the main reason you would not want to participate in a workplace screening program using rapid tests?

Condition: (Q55.r3)

Row:

• [r1] Dislike the idea of doing a nasal swab so often
• [r2] Cannot afford to miss work waiting for a positive test result to be verified or stay home if I am confirmed positive
• [r3] I am fully vaccinated and don't think I need to be tested
• [r4] I don't think it will make a difference in helping to end the pandemic
• [r96] Other, please specify:
• [r99] I prefer not to answer

[Q57] If you had symptoms of a viral infection, would you use rapid tests from a COVID-19 assessment centre, care clinic, or community testing site or a self-administered test to help distinguish a COVID-19 diagnosis from the flu or common cold?

Row:

• [r1] Yes
• [r2] No
• [r98] Not sure

[Q88] If you were required to cover a $10-$40 cost for each rapid test, would you still be willing to undergo testing?

Condition: (Q57.r1)

Row:

• [r1] Yes
• [r2] No
• [r98] Not sure

[Q59] Do you plan to get your flu shot this year?

Row:

• [r1] Yes, plan to receive it
• [r2] No
• [r3] I already got my flu shot this year
• [r98] Don't know

[Q60] Why are you not planning on getting your flu shot this year?

Condition: (Q59.r2)

(select all that apply)

Row:

• [r1] I have never gotten a seasonal flu shot before
• [r2] I am healthy, and/or never get the flu
• [r3] Getting the flu doesn't make me that sick
• [r4] I have concerns about the flu vaccine, and/or its side effects
• [r5] The flu vaccine does not work
• [r6] I have concerns about interactions with the COVID-19 vaccines
• [r7] No one got the flu last year
• [r8] I've had enough vaccines this year
• [r9] I'm not eligible for the flu vaccine in my area
• [r10] I am protected from earned immunity
• [r11] I had side effects
• [r12] Physical distancing, frequent handwashing and wearing a mask are enough to protect me from the flu
• [r13] Not concerned about flu because of the public health restrictions in place for COVID-19
• [r14] No specific reason, I just won't get it
• [r97] Other, please specify:

[Q61] Please indicate the extent to which you agree with the following statement. "A COVID-19 vaccine booster dose in the fall/winter would make me less likely to get the flu shot."

Row:

• [r1] Strongly Agree
• [r2] Agree
• [r3] Disagree
• [r4] Strongly Disagree
• [r98] Don't know

[Q62] How much do you feel you are at higher or lower risk of flu-related complications if you do get the flu?

Row:

• [r1] Much higher risk
• [r2] Higher risk
• [r3] Neither higher or lower
• [r4] Lower risk
• [r5] Much lower risk

[Q69] Do you plan to get your child/children vaccinated against the flu this year?

Condition: (CHILD.r1)

Row:

• [r1] Yes, plan to
• [r2] No
• [r3] They already got their flu shot this year
• [r98] Don't know

[Q70] What are the main reasons for not choosing to have the child(ren) under your care or guardianship vaccinated against the flu or for being not sure?

Condition: (Q69.r2 or Q69.r98)

Select up to 3 reasons.

Row:

• [r1] It will be challenging to make or get to the vaccine appointment
• [r2] I have concerns about possible side effects or that the vaccine will make my child(ren) sick
• [r3] I need more information
• [r4] It is not needed (e.g., virus will naturally disappear)
• [r5] I do not believe it will be safe for my child to get both the flu and COVID-19 vaccines close together
• [r6] I think "natural immunity" is better for children than immunity from vaccines
• [r7] I do not believe it will be effective
• [r8] My child is very anxious or fearful of vaccinations
• [r9] I am wary of vaccinating my child(ren) in general
• [r96] Other (please specify)
• [r98] Don't know

The last few questions are strictly for statistical purposes. All of your answers are completely confidential.

[LANGU] What is the language you first learned at home as a child and still understand?

Row:

• [r1] English
• [r2] French
• [r3] Other
• [r99] I prefer not to answer

[MINO] Do you identify as any of the following?

SELECT ALL THAT APPLY

Row:

• [r3] A member of the LGBTQ2 community
• [r4] A person with a disability
• [r97] None of the above
• [r99] I prefer not to answer

[IMM] Where were you born?

Row:

• [r1] Born in Canada
• [r2] Born outside Canada

[YIMM] In what year did you move to Canada?

Condition: (IMM.r2)

[MainAutoCountry] What is your country of origin?

Condition: (IMM.r2)

[PAYS] What is your country of origin?

Condition: (IMM.r2)

[PREGNANT] Are you pregnant or do you intend to become pregnant within the next year?

Condition: (GDR.r2)

Row:

• [r1] Currently pregnant
• [r2] Intending to be pregnant
• [r3] No
• [r98] Don't know / No response

[HEALTHCONDITION] Are you currently living with one or more of the following health conditions?

(select all that apply)

Row:

• [r1] Cancer and other immune compromising conditions
• [r2] Diabetes
• [r3] Heart disease
• [r4] Lung disease
• [r5] Anemia
• [r6] Obesity
• [r7] Kidney disease
• [r8] Neurological or neurodevelopmental conditions
• [r97] None
• [r98] Don't know / No response

[SCOL] What is the highest level of formal education that you have completed?

SELECT ONE ONLY

Row:

• [r1] Some high school or less
• [r2] High school diploma or equivalent
• [r3] Registered Apprenticeship or other trades certificate or diploma
• [r4] College, CEGEP or other non-university certificate or diploma
• [r5] University certificate or diploma below bachelor's level
• [r6] Bachelor's degree
• [r7] Postgraduate degree above bachelor's level
• [r99] I prefer not to answer

[OCCUP] Which of the following categories best describes your current employment status? Are you...

SELECT ONE ONLY

Row:

• [r1] Working full-time (35 or more hours per week)
• [r2] Working part-time (less than 35 hours per week)
• [r3] Self-employed
• [r4] Unemployed, but looking for work
• [r5] A student attending school full-time
• [r6] Retired
• [r7] Not in the workforce (full-time homemaker, full-time parent, or unemployed and not looking for work)
• [r8] Other employment status. Please specify.
• [r99] I prefer not to answer

[OCCUP2] Are you a healthcare provider (such as nurse, medical doctor, paramedic, first responder, pharmacist, etc.) and/or a frontline worker or essential worker (such as gas station attendant, bus driver, grocery store clerk, media workers, laboratory workers, etc.)?

Condition: (OCCUP.r1 or OCCUP.r2)

Row:

• [r1] Healthcare provider
• [r2] Frontline worker or essential worker
• [r97] None of the above
• [r99] I prefer not to answer

[REVEN] Which of the following categories best describes your total household income? That is, the total income of all persons in your household combined, before taxes?

SELECT ONE ONLY

Row:

• [r1] Under $20,000
• [r2] Between $20,000 and under $40,000
• [r3] Between $40,000 and under $60,000
• [r4] Between $60,000 and under $80,000
• [r5] Between $80,000 and under $100,000
• [r6] Between $100,000 and under $150,000
• [r7] $150,000 and above
• [r99] I prefer not to answer

[FSA] Please indicate the first 3 characters of your postal code.

If you would rather not provide it, please select I don't know/I prefer not to answer

APPENDIX C – SURVEY WAVE 10-11-12

Thank you for agreeing to take part in this survey. We anticipate that the survey will take approximately 12 minutes to complete.

Background information

This research is being conducted by Léger Marketing, a Canadian public opinion research firm on behalf of Health Canada.

The purpose of this online survey is to collect opinions and feedback from Canadians that will be used by Health Canada to help inform government actions and decisions.

How does the online survey work? You are being asked to offer your opinions and experiences through an online survey. You have to be 18 or over in order to participate in this survey. We anticipate that the survey will take 12 minutes to complete. Your participation in the survey is completely voluntary. Your responses are confidential and will only ever be reported in aggregate – never in any way that can identify any individual respondent or their responses. Your decision on whether or not to participate will not affect any dealings you may have with the Government of Canada. What about your personal information? The personal information you provide to Health Canada is governed in accordance with the Privacy Act and is being collected under the authority of section 4 of the Department of Health Act in accordance with the Treasury Board Directive on Privacy Practices. We only collect the information we need to conduct the research project. Purpose of collection: We require your personal information such as demographic information to better understand the topic of the research. However, your responses are always combined with the responses of others for analysis and reporting; you will never be identified. Your rights under the Privacy Act: In addition to protecting your personal information, the Privacy Act gives you the right to request access to and correction of your personal information. For more information about these rights, or about our privacy practices, please contact Health Canada's Privacy Coordinator at 613-948-1219 or privacy-vie.privee@hc-sc.gc.ca. You also have the right to file a complaint with the Privacy Commissioner of Canada if you think your personal information has been handled improperly.

If you are experiencing technical issues while responding to the survey, please contact Leger's technical support team at support@legeropinion.com.

Your help is greatly appreciated, and we look forward to receiving your feedback.

[GDR] What is your gender identity?

Gender refers to current gender which may be different from sex assigned at birth and may be different from what is indicated on legal documents.

Row:

• [r1] Male
• [r2] Female
• [r3] Other
• [r99] I prefer not to answer

[PROV] In which province or territory do you currently live?

Row:

• [BC] British Columbia
• [AB] Alberta
• [SK] Saskatchewan
• [MB] Manitoba
• [ON] Ontario
• [QC] Quebec
• [NB] New Brunswick
• [NS] Nova Scotia
• [PE] Prince Edward Island
• [NF] Newfoundland
• [NT] Northwest Territories
• [YK] Yukon
• [NU] Nunavut

[YEAR] In what year and month were you born?

[AGE2] Would you be willing to indicate in which of the following age categories you belong?

Condition: (AGERef.r1)

Row:

• [r0] Under 18
• [r1] Between 18 and 24
• [r2] Between 25 and 34
• [r3] Between 35 and 44
• [r4] Between 45 and 54
• [r5] Between 55 and 64
• [r6] 65 or older
• [r9] I prefer not to answer

[ETHNIC] Do you identify as any of the following?

Select all that apply

Row:

• [r1] White
• [r2] Indigenous person (First Nations, Inuit or Métis)
• [r3] South Asian
• [r4] Chinese
• [r5] Filipino
• [r6] Southeast Asian
• [r7] West Asian
• [r8] Korean
• [r9] Japanese
• [r10] Black
• [r11] Latin American
• [r12] Arab
• [r96] Other
• [r97] None of the above

[CHILD] Are you the parent or guardian of a child or children under 18 years of age living in your household?

Row:

• [r1] Yes
• [r2] No
• [r99] Prefer not to answer

[CHILD_AGE] How old is/are the child/children?

Condition: (CHILD.r1)

Select all that apply

Row:

• [r1] Under 5
• [r2] 5 to 11
• [r3] 12 to 17
• [r4] Prefer not to answer

[CHILDB] How many children do you have in each of the following age categories?

Condition: (CHILD.r1)

Row:

• [r1] Under 5 years (please enter number of children)
  • Condition: (CHILD_AGE.r1)
• [r2] 5 to 11 years (please enter number of children)
  • Condition: (CHILD_AGE.r2)
• [r3] 12 to 17 years (please enter number of children)
  • Condition: (CHILD_AGE.r3)

[Q89] Are you or have you been infected with COVID-19?

Row:

• [r1] Yes
• [r2] No
• [r3] I think so (not confirmed by a positive test)
• [r98] Don't know
• [r99] Prefer not to answer

[Q90] Do you know people in your immediate social network (i.e., friends or close family members) who have been infected with COVID-19?

Row:

• [r1] Yes
• [r2] No
• [r3] I think so (not confirmed by a positive test)
• [r98] Don't know
• [r99] Prefer not to answer

[Q1] What is currently your most pressing concern, if any, related to COVID-19?

Row:

• [r1] Physical health
• [r2] Mental health
• [r3] Health of family and/or friends
• [r10] Death of a family member and/or friend
• [r5] Economy
• [r11] Social isolation and/or loneliness
• [r7] Personal financial situation
• [r8] Returning to normal and/or uncertainty about the future
• [r9] New COVID variants
• [r12] Workplace vaccination policy not being applied
• [r13] Having to comply with the workplace vaccination policy
• [r96] Other, please specify:
• [r97] I have no pressing concern
• [r98] Don't know

[Q3] How would you rate your mental health now compared to before the pandemic?

Row:

• [r1] Better
• [r2] About the same
• [r3] Worse
• [r98] Don't know

[Q3B] How would you rate your mental health now compared to two weeks ago?

Row:

• [r1] Better
• [r2] About the same
• [r3] Worse
• [r98] Don't know

[Q72] Please indicate if the situations listed below changed for you since the beginning of the pandemic by selecting increased, decreased or the same/no change.

Column:

• [c1] Increased
• [c2] Decreased
• [c3] Same/No change
• [c99] Don't know / No response
• [c97] Not applicable

Row:

• [r1] My consumption of alcohol like beer, wine or spirits.
• [r2] My consumption of cannabis.
• [r3] My consumption of tobacco.
• [r7] My consumption of vaping.
• [r4] My consumption of illegal/illicit drugs.
• [r5] My level of exercise
• [r6] My consumption of healthy foods

[Q4] Since the start of the pandemic, have you received any support for coping with mental health?

Row:

• [r1] Yes
• [r2] No
• [r98] Don't know

[Q4B] What type of support have your received?

Condition: (Q4.r1)

Select all that apply.

Row:

• [r1] Online/virtual support from support workers, social workers, psychologists or other professionals
• [r2] In person support from support workers, social workers, psychologists or other professionals
• [r3] Phone (including text) support
• [r4] Resources and tips for taking care of yourself
• [r5] Your primary health provider
• [r6] Resources and/or services through your local government
• [r7] Resources and/or services through your provincial/territorial government
• [r8] Resources and/or services through the Government of Canada
• [r9] Support from a non-government organization, such as Wellness Together Canada
• [r96] Other, please specify:

[Q5] How worried are you, if at all, when thinking about life after the pandemic ends?

Row:

• [r1] Very worried
• [r2] Somewhat worried
• [r3] Not very worried
• [r4] Not at all worried
• [r98] Don't know

[Q6] What makes you feel worried?

Condition: (Q5.r1 or Q5.r2)

Select all that apply

Row:

• [r1] In-person interactions/socializing
• [r2] Being in crowded places
• [r3] Going back to the before pandemic routine
• [r4] Giving up working from home
• [r5] Not knowing if those around me are vaccinated
• [r6] That we will never really end the pandemic
• [r7] Confusion around public health measures
• [r8] Being judged for wanting to wear a mask
• [r10] Being judged for being vaccinated
• [r9] Finding work
• [r11] Accessing health care services
• [r96] Other, please specify

[Q91] How often do you use the following sources of information to stay informed about COVID-19?

Column:

• [c1] Always
• [c2] Often
• [c3] Sometimes
• [c4] Rarely
• [c5] Never
• [c98] Don't know

Row:

• [r1] Canadian TV and radio channels (including their websites)
• [r2] Non-Canadian TV and radio channels (including their websites)
• [r3] Canadian newspapers and magazines (including their websites)
• [r4] Conversations with family, friends and colleagues
• [r5] Federal Government websites
• [r6] Provincial Government websites
• [r7] Municipal Government websites
• [r8] Federal Government live press conferences, announcements and updates
• [r9] Provincial Government live press conferences, announcements and updates
• [r10] Social media platforms (e.g. Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, etc.)
• [r11] Consultation with health care workers
• [r12] Federal public health authorities
• [r13] Provincial public health authorities
• [r14] Digital Messaging Apps (e.g. WhatsApp, Telegram, Signal, etc.).

[Q10] Have you received a COVID-19 vaccine (at least one dose)?

Row:

• [r1] Yes
• [r2] No

[Q11] How many doses have you received?

Condition: (Q10.r1)

Row:

• [r1] 1 dose
• [r2] 2 doses
• [r3] 3 doses
• [r98] Not sure

[Q92] How likely are you to get the booster dose of the COVID-19 vaccine?

Condition: (Q11.r1 or Q11.r2)

Row:

• [r1] Very likely
• [r2] Somewhat likely
• [r3] Not very likely
• [r4] Not at all likely
• [r98] Don't know

[Q93] What is the top reason you are unlikely or uncertain about getting a booster dose?

Condition: (Q92.r3 or Q92.r4 or Q92.r98)

Row:

• [r1] I think I am protected enough with the current dose schedule
• [r2] I had side effects with the dose/doses I already got
• [r3] I'm concerned about how long it will take to get it
• [r4] I'm concerned about the safety of the booster dose
• [r5] I'm concerned about getting a different vaccine type than my previous doses
• [r6] I'm concerned about the long-term effects
• [r7] I need more information on booster doses
• [r8] I prefer to wait a while before getting vaccinated
• [r9] I'm fed up with getting vaccinated
• [r10] I don't need a booster because the new variant is less severe, even if it is more contagious
• [r11] I think those who are most vulnerable should get their booster dose first
• [r12] I think we should help developing countries get fully vaccinated first
• [r13] I do not see the need to get a booster because I've contracted COVID-19 after being vaccinated
• [r14] I recently got COVID-19 and I don't know when to get the booster dose
• [r96] Other, please specify:

[Q76] Amongst the following factors and thinking about the current COVID context, what would motivate you to get your booster dose?

Condition: (Q11.r1 or Q11.r2)

Please select up to your top 3

Row:

• [r1] Benefits to my employment/financial situation (e.g., being able to return to work or continue working)
• [r2] Being able to travel within Canada
• [r3] Being able to travel internationally
• [r4] Being able to spend time with friends and family in-person
• [r5] Helping to get things back to "normal"
• [r6] Knowing that the majority of new COVID cases are among those who are partially vaccinated
• [r7] Knowing that the majority of new COVID hospitalizations are among those who are partially vaccinated
• [r8] Getting assurance that the third dose is safe for me personally (e.g. due to a pre-existing medical condition, pregnancy, allergy, etc.)
• [r9] Being encouraged by friends or family
• [r10] Knowing that Canada is helping developing countries to get vaccinated
• [r11] Getting the vaccine at a convenient time and location
• [r12] Receiving an instant cash reward for getting the vaccine
• [r13] Receiving paid time off work to get the vaccine
• [r14] Booster doses are included in proof of vaccination requirements for certain activities
• [r15] Entering into a lottery to win a prize
• [r16] Receiving paid sick time off work if they experienced side effects from the vaccine
• [r17] Vaccines being made mandatory for all Canadians
• [r98] None of the above

[Q94] If a booster dose were developed for a specific COVID-19 variant, how likely would you be to get it?

Row:

• [r1] Very likely
• [r2] Somewhat likely
• [r3] Not very likely
• [r4] Not at all likely
• [r98] Don't know

[Q80] Thinking about your child(ren) aged 12-17, have they received at least one dose of a COVID-19 vaccine?

Condition: (CHILDB.r3.check('> 0'))

Row:

• [r1] Yes
• [r2] No, I will wait a bit before getting my child(ren) vaccinated
• [r3] No, I will not get my child(ren) vaccinated
• [r98] Not sure

[Q81] How many doses have your vaccinated child(ren) aged 12-17 received?

Condition: (Q80.r1)

Select all that apply

Row:

• [r1] 1 dose
• [r2] 2 doses
• [r3] 3 doses
• [r98] Not sure

[Q95] Thinking about your child(ren) aged 12-17, if a booster becomes available for them, how likely would you be to have them receive one?

Condition: (CHILDB.r3.check('>0'))

Row:

• [r1] Very likely
• [r2] Somewhat likely
• [r3] Not very likely
• [r4] Not at all likely
• [r98] Don't know

[Q96] Thinking about your child(ren) aged 5-11, have they received at least one dose of a COVID-19 vaccine?

Condition: (CHILDB.r2.check('>0'))

Select all that apply

Row:

• [r1] Yes
• [r2] No, I will wait a bit before getting my child(ren) vaccinated
• [r3] No, I will not get my child(ren) vaccinated
• [r98] Not sure

[Q97] How many doses have your vaccinated child(ren) aged 5-11 received?

Condition: (Q96.r1)

Select all that apply

Row:

• [r1] 1 dose
• [r2] 2 doses
• [r3] 3 doses
• [r98] Not sure

[Q98] Thinking about your child(ren) under 5, if a COVID-19 vaccine becomes available to your child/children, would you choose to get your child(ren) under 5 vaccinated?

Condition: (CHILDB.r1.check('>0'))

Row:

• [r1] Yes, as soon as it is available
• [r2] Yes, but will wait a bit before getting my child(ren) vaccinated
• [r3] No, I will not get my child(ren) vaccinated
• [r97] I do not make these decisions
• [r98] Not sure

[Q28] Which of the following factors would make you more likely to vaccinate your child(ren) against COVID-19?

Condition: (Q80.r2 or Q80.r3 or Q80.r98) or (Q96.r3 or Q96.r2 or Q96.r98) or (CHILDB.r1.check('>0'))

Please choose your top three.

Row:

• [r1] Assurance from my health professional that the vaccines are safe for my children
• [r2] More information on the COVID-19 vaccine clinical trials involving children, including data on safety and effectiveness
• [r3] Vaccinating my child(ren) would contribute to the collective benefit of ending the pandemic
• [r4] Health Canada announces the vaccine is safe for kids and shares details of their findings from reviewing clinical trials
• [r5] International health organizations say the vaccine is safe for kids based on findings from testing around the world
• [r6] Being able to get my child vaccinated at a convenient location in my community
• [r7] Assurance that I can be with my child(ren) during the vaccination
• [r8] Encouragement from my child's school or school board that parents vaccinate their children
• [r9] Seeing or hearing about friends, family or others I know personally getting their child(ren) vaccinated
• [r10] Understanding the benefits of vaccinating children
• [r11] Seeing or hearing about people that are "like" my child(ren) (i.e., similar age, health status, ethnicity, etc.) getting safely vaccinated
• [r12] Getting more information about COVID cases and hospitalizations among children
• [r13] My child(ren) can return to activities and socialization that they miss and need
• [r14] My child(ren)'s mental health has suffered during the pandemic and I want them to get their regular lives back
• [r15] Nothing would make me more likely to vaccinate my child(ren) against COVID-19
• [r16] Receiving a financial incentive
• [r17] If there was a financial penalty for not being vaccinated
• [r96] Other, please specify:
• [r98] Don't know

[Q1B] How often do you follow each of the following public health measures?

Column:

• [c1] Always
• [c2] Often
• [c3] Sometimes
• [c4] Rarely
• [c5] Never
• [c98] Don't know

Row:

• [r1] Washing hands for at least 20 seconds with soap and warm water
• [r2] Using hand sanitizer containing at least 60% alcohol, if soap and water aren't available
• [r3] Staying home and away from others if you feel sick
• [r4] Practising physical distancing
• [r5] Limiting the number of people you have contact with outside of your household
• [r6] Avoiding closed spaces and crowded places
• [r7] Wearing a mask–when indoors in a public space or in an indoor space with people from outside your immediate household
• [r8] Wearing a mask– when outside in a public space
• [r9] Improving ventilation (as examples: open windows and doors regularly, use a heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) system or run kitchen or bathroom exhaust fans)

[Q99] What type of mask do you most often wear?

Condition: (Q1B.r7.c1 or Q1B.r7.c2 or Q1B.r7.c3) or (Q1B.r8.c1 or Q1B.r8.c2 or Q1B.r8.c3)

Row:

• [r1] Non-medical mask
• [r2] Medical mask (e.g. blue surgical or procedural mask)
• [r3] Respirator (e.g. N95, KN95, etc)
• [r96] Other (such as a face covering), please specify:

[Q100] Why are you not always or often following each of these public health measures?

Condition: Q1B.c3.any or Q1B.c4.any or Q1B.c5.any

Select all that apply.

Row:

• [r1] I don't believe it will make a difference
• [r2] I'm tired of following the public health measures
• [r3] I forget
• [r4] Too expensive
• [r5] Other people are not doing it
• [r6] Difficult to do
• [r7] I don't feel I'm at risk
• [r8] Measures are confusing
• [r9] Measures keep changing
• [r10] Interferes with my lifestyle
• [r11] Lack of access (e.g. masks, hand sanitizer)
• [r96] Other, please specify:
• [r98] Don't know

[Q101] To what extent do you think following PHMs help to protect yourself and others from COVID-19?

Row:

• [r1] To a great extent
• [r2] To a moderate extent
• [r3] To a small extent
• [r4] Not at all
• [r98] Don't know

[Q102] When the COVID-19 pandemic is over, for which reason(s) would you choose to wear a mask?

Select all that apply.

Row:

• [r1] It's something I'm used to doing now
• [r2] If other people are wearing one too
• [r3] If I'm in a public indoor setting
• [r4] To protect loved ones and people around me
• [r5] To prevent myself from getting sick or feeling unwell
• [r6] If I am sick or feeling unwell while in a public setting
• [r7] If it helped to prevent the spread of respiratory illnesses (e.g., cold, flu, COVID-19)
• [r8] If they were free and readily available in high risk settings or at events
• [r9] I would not choose to wear a mask, unless it is required
• [r10] I would not choose to wear a mask
• [r96] Other, please specify:

[Q103] In the past month, have you…

Column:

• [c1] Yes
• [c2] No

[c98] Prefer not to answer

Row:

• [r1] Visited indoors with friends and family that are not part of your household
• [r2] Travelled to another region within your province or territory
• [r3] Travelled to another province or territory
• [r4] Travelled to another country
• [r5] Sat inside a bar or restaurant

[Q104] Is your workplace running a workplace rapid testing screening program?

Row:

• [r1] Yes
• [r2] No
• [r98] Don't know/Not applicable

[Q104B] Do you feel that the workplace rapid testing screening program is helping to protect you in the workplace?

Condition: (Q104.r1)

Row:

• [r1] Yes
• [r2] No
• [r98] Don't know

[Q55] Some businesses are implementing workplace rapid testing screening programs using COVID-19 rapid tests. Employees are tested using a short nasal swab twice per week before entering their workplace to make sure they aren't infected with the virus. If your workplace decided to implement a workplace rapid testing screening program, would you participate in it?

Condition: (Q104.r2)

Row:

• [r1] Yes, without hesitation
• [r2] Yes, with some hesitation
• [r3] No, I would not
• [r98] Not sure

[Q56] What is the main reason you would not want to participate in a workplace screening program using rapid tests?

Condition: (Q55.r3)

Row:

• [r1] Dislike the idea of doing a nasal swab so often
• [r2] Cannot afford to miss work (e.g. if I need to stay home if my test result is positive)
• [r3] I am fully vaccinated and don't think I need to be tested
• [r4] I don't think it will make a difference in helping to end the pandemic
• [r96] Other, please specify:
• [r99] I prefer not to answer

[Q105] If you had access to rapid testing for personal use (outside of your workplace), how would you prefer to receive a rapid test?

Row:

• [r1] Ordering online
• [r2] Picking up at a pharmacy
• [r3] Picking up at a community centre
• [r96] Other, please specify:

[Q88] If you were required to cover a $10-$40 cost for each rapid test, would you still be willing to undergo testing?

Row:

• [r1] Yes
• [r2] No
• [r98] Don't know

[Q106] If there was an online reporting tool, would you report your results if anonymous?

Row:

• [r1] Yes, I would report my results, positive or negative
• [r2] Yes, but only if I tested positive for COVID-19
• [r3] Yes, but only if I tested negative for COVID-19
• [r4] No, I would not report my results
• [r98] Don't know

The last few questions are strictly for statistical purposes. All of your answers are completely confidential.

[LANGU] What is the language you first learned at home as a child and still understand?

Row:

• [r1] English
• [r2] French
• [r3] Other
• [r99] I prefer not to answer

[MINO] Do you identify as any of the following?

SELECT ALL THAT APPLY

Row:

• [r3] A member of the LGBTQ2 community
• [r4] A person with a disability
• [r97] None of the above
• [r99] I prefer not to answer

[IMM] Where were you born?

Row:

• [r1] Born in Canada
• [r2] Born outside Canada

[YIMM] In what year did you move to Canada?

Condition: (IMM.r2)

[MainAutoCountry] What is your country of origin?

Condition: (IMM.r2)

[PAYS] What is your country of origin?

Condition: (IMM.r2)

[SCOL] What is the highest level of formal education that you have completed?

SELECT ONE ONLY

Row:

• [r1] Some high school or less
• [r2] High school diploma or equivalent
• [r3] Registered Apprenticeship or other trades certificate or diploma
• [r4] College, CEGEP or other non-university certificate or diploma
• [r5] University certificate or diploma below bachelor's level
• [r6] Bachelor's degree
• [r7] Postgraduate degree above bachelor's level
• [r99] I prefer not to answer

[OCCUP] Which of the following categories best describes your current employment status? Are you...

SELECT ONE ONLY

Row:

• [r1] Working full-time (35 or more hours per week)
• [r2] Working part-time (less than 35 hours per week)
• [r3] Self-employed
• [r4] Unemployed, but looking for work
• [r5] A student attending school full-time
• [r6] Retired
• [r7] Not in the workforce (full-time homemaker, full-time parent, or unemployed and not looking for work)
• [r8] Other employment status. Please specify.
• [r99] I prefer not to answer

[OCCUP2] Are you a healthcare provider (such as nurse, medical doctor, paramedic, first responder, pharmacist, etc.) and/or a frontline worker or essential worker (such as gas station attendant, bus driver, grocery store clerk, media worker, laboratory worker, etc.)?

Condition: (OCCUP.r1 or OCCUP.r2)

Row:

• [r1] Healthcare provider
• [r2] Frontline worker or essential worker
• [r97] None of the above
• [r99] I prefer not to answer

[REVEN] Which of the following categories best describes your total household income? That is, the total income of all persons in your household combined, before taxes?

SELECT ONE ONLY

Row:

• [r1] Under $20,000
• [r2] Between $20,000 and under $40,000
• [r3] Between $40,000 and under $60,000
• [r4] Between $60,000 and under $80,000
• [r5] Between $80,000 and under $100,000
• [r6] Between $100,000 and under $150,000
• [r7] $150,000 and above
• [r99] I prefer not to answer

[HH_SIZE] How many people, including yourself, are supported by your total household income?

[FSA] Please indicate the first 3 characters of your postal code.

If you would rather not provide it, please select I don't know/I prefer not to answer

APPENDIX D – SURVEY WAVE 13

Thank you for agreeing to take part in this survey. We anticipate that the survey will take approximately 12 minutes to complete.

Background information

This research is being conducted by Léger Marketing, a Canadian public opinion research firm on behalf of Health Canada.

The purpose of this online survey is to collect opinions and feedback from Canadians that will be used by Health Canada to help inform government actions and decisions.

How does the online survey work? You are being asked to offer your opinions and experiences through an online survey. You have to be 18 or over in order to participate in this survey. We anticipate that the survey will take 12 minutes to complete. Your participation in the survey is completely voluntary. Your responses are confidential and will only ever be reported in aggregate – never in any way that can identify any individual respondent or their responses. Your decision on whether or not to participate will not affect any dealings you may have with the Government of Canada. What about your personal information? The personal information you provide to Health Canada is governed in accordance with the Privacy Act and is being collected under the authority of section 4 of the Department of Health Act in accordance with the Treasury Board Directive on Privacy Practices. We only collect the information we need to conduct the research project. Purpose of collection: We require your personal information such as demographic information to better understand the topic of the research. However, your responses are always combined with the responses of others for analysis and reporting; you will never be identified. Your rights under the Privacy Act: In addition to protecting your personal information, the Privacy Act gives you the right to request access to and correction of your personal information. For more information about these rights, or about our privacy practices, please contact Health Canada's Privacy Coordinator at 613-948-1219 or privacy-vie.privee@hc-sc.gc.ca. You also have the right to file a complaint with the Privacy Commissioner of Canada if you think your personal information has been handled improperly.

If you are experiencing technical issues while responding to the survey, please contact Leger's technical support team at support@legeropinion.com.

Your help is greatly appreciated, and we look forward to receiving your feedback.

[GDR] What is your gender identity?

Gender refers to current gender which may be different from sex assigned at birth and may be different from what is indicated on legal documents.

Row:

• [r1] Male
• [r2] Female
• [r3] Other
• [r99] I prefer not to answer

[PROV] In which province or territory do you currently live?

Row:

• [BC] British Columbia
• [AB] Alberta
• [SK] Saskatchewan
• [MB] Manitoba
• [ON] Ontario
• [QC] Quebec
• [NB] New Brunswick
• [NS] Nova Scotia
• [PE] Prince Edward Island
• [NF] Newfoundland
• [NT] Northwest Territories
• [YK] Yukon
• [NU] Nunavut

[YEAR] In what year and month were you born?

[AGE2] Would you be willing to indicate in which of the following age categories you belong?

Condition: (AGERef.r1)

Row:

• [r0] Under 18
• [r1] Between 18 and 24
• [r2] Between 25 and 34
• [r3] Between 35 and 44
• [r4] Between 45 and 54
• [r5] Between 55 and 64
• [r6] 65 or older
• [r9] I prefer not to answer

[ETHNIC] Do you identify as any of the following?

Select all that apply

Row:

• [r1] White
• [r2] Indigenous person (First Nations, Inuit or Métis)
• [r3] South Asian
• [r4] Chinese
• [r5] Filipino
• [r6] Southeast Asian
• [r7] West Asian
• [r8] Korean
• [r9] Japanese
• [r10] Black
• [r11] Latin American
• [r12] Arab
• [r96] Other, please specify:
• [r97] None of the above

[CHILD] Are you the parent or guardian of a child or children under 18 years of age living in your household?

Row:

• [r1] Yes
• [r2] No
• [r99] Prefer not to answer

[CHILD_AGE] How old is/are the child/children?

Condition: (CHILD.r1)

Select all that apply

Row:

• [r1] Under 5
• [r2] 5 to 11
• [r3] 12 to 17
• [r4] Prefer not to answer

[Q89] Are you or have you been infected with COVID-19?

Row:

• [r1] Yes
• [r2] No
• [r3] I think so (not confirmed by a positive test, PCR or rapid test)
• [r98] Don't know
• [r99] Prefer not to answer

[Q90] Do you know people in your immediate social network (i.e., friends or close family members) who have been infected with COVID-19?

Row:

• [r1] Yes
• [r2] No
• [r3] I think so (not confirmed by a positive test, PCR or rapid test)
• [r98] Don't know
• [r99] Prefer not to answer

[Q107] Among those you know who were infected with COVID-19, do you know anyone who has become very ill with COVID-19? This would include anyone who was admitted to hospital or died from COVID-19.

Condition: Q90.r1

Row:

• [r1] Yes
• [r2] No
• [r98] Don't know

[Q1] What is currently your most pressing concern, if any, related to COVID-19?