Australians' attitudes to mRNA vaccination in humans and animals: A cross-sectional survey
Vaccine·
- DOI
- 10.1016/j.vaccine.2026.128907
- PMID
- 42413319
- PMCID
- —
- OpenAlex
- W7167581992
- Study type
- Cross-sectional study
- Publisher
- Elsevier BV
- Article type
- journal-article
- Integrity
- current
Why this research matters now
The authors highlight the need for vaccine manufacturers and public- and animal-health policymakers to anticipate potentially lower public acceptance of mRNA vaccines and of animal-source foods derived from mRNA-vaccinated livestock, noting that scientific development must be matched by public acceptability for new vaccines to be optimally used.
Structured evidence summary
Research question
The survey examined Australians' attitudes toward mRNA vaccines compared with conventional vaccines, willingness to receive mRNA vaccination in a future infectious disease emergency, and acceptance of meat and milk from mRNA-vaccinated cattle.
Study design
A cross-sectional, self-administered online survey of Australian adults aged over 18, analysed using descriptive statistics and chi-squared tests.
Population and setting
Adult members of the Australian general public surveyed online, in a national context where new mRNA vaccines are approaching approval.
Main findings
Overall support for vaccination was high, but support for traditionally manufactured vaccines was stronger than for mRNA-based vaccines, which respondents reportedly understood less well. Willingness to accept mRNA vaccination in an emergency was associated with voluntariness, understanding, and higher trust. Support for consuming meat and milk from mRNA-vaccinated cattle was mixed, reflecting limited familiarity with animal vaccination.
Public-health relevance
The authors highlight the need for vaccine manufacturers and public- and animal-health policymakers to anticipate potentially lower public acceptance of mRNA vaccines and of animal-source foods derived from mRNA-vaccinated livestock, noting that scientific development must be matched by public acceptability for new vaccines to be optimally used.
Important limitations
This summary is limited to the supplied single-article abstract and bibliographic metadata; the original paper, including its full methods and any explicit limitations, is required for decision-grade interpretation.
GIDS interpretation
The study addresses the discoverability of public sentiment around mRNA vaccines in Australia and comparator contexts, and could inform situational awareness of vaccine acceptance, but it does not constitute or confirm any live surveillance signal.
Related GIDS surveillance
Literature context does not validate, explain, or change a surveillance signal. Exact and contextual relationships are shown separately.
Evidence relationships
This article has 12 auditable classifier relationships to diseases, places, topics, and study design.