Discussion

Discussion

Memorable and Important Data to the Research Study

The data provided below showed a pertinent connection to the premise of this study and adds to a further understanding of the topic of mandatory vaccination in post-secondary institutions.

Forty-three participants for question 6 identified as two-dose vaccinated at their time of response, with two participants having received a booster shot (Figure 1). These statistics show that 45 participants have taken the steps to fully immunize themselves against Covid-19. Notably, this implies at least 2 of the 6 participants from question 11 who chose ‘Unsure’ for vaccinations being a safe option to fight Covid-19 have received at least two doses of a vaccine. The same number of participants, 43, believe vaccination is a safe option to fight Covid-19.

Sixteen participants for question 8 cited protection of others’ health as their influence for receiving a vaccine. Participants identified ‘protecting family’, ‘protecting immunocompromised’, and the ‘right thing to do for society’ as their reasons for receiving a vaccination (Figure 3). This shows more participants citing an empathy-driven response over an individually-driven response as influential factors for immunizing themselves against the Covid-19 virus (see Appendix B).

Overall, 39 participants from question 9 support mandatory vaccination at MacEwan, with 5 participants emphasizing an account for the medically exempt (Figure 4). Thirty-two of the 46 participants from question 10 identified ‘civic/public responsibility’ and ‘defense against Covid-19’ as factors for their support of mandated vaccines and the inclusion of medical reasons as valid exemptions from vaccination (Figure 5). This data emphasizes an empathy-driven response and reasoning for vaccination.

Nine of 42 responses from question 14 commented on the type of vaccine coverage as the prominent feature of their primary sources. Eight participants cited their relief at having a vaccine for Covid-19 or their predetermined belief in vaccines as prominent factors. As well, seven participants identified the associated statistics and research as prominent features within the information and/or sources they first encountered regarding vaccination and vaccines. Only three participants cited conflicting information or a personally negative response to their initially encountered information/sources as prominent features (see Appendix B). This data emphasizes how similar information can stand out in different ways to different audiences.

Overall, the survey concluded with question 15 showing 40 of 47 participants approving of vaccination in general, with 6 participants viewing vaccination positively but disagreeing with making vaccines mandatory. Notably, one participant negated their response by stating they had expressed their views previously (see Appendix B).

Consistencies and Correlations

The data below depicts correlations between different and similar sets of responses from the survey questions, as well as the consistency of responses throughout the survey period.

A significant consistency was a positive response to mandatory vaccinations and that it is a safe option to fight the Covid-19 virus. The motivating factor of responsibility and keeping everyone healthy was consistent throughout the survey. Data from question two showed that 29 participants were in their third or fourth year of study and question one showed the age range for the participants was commonly 17–25 years (Figure 1). Question 5 reflected how the political preferences remained consistent during the survey period, with the New Democratic Party in the lead with 30 responses. As well, a majority of participants coming from an urban setting with 29 responses remained consistent throughout the survey (Figure 2). Twenty of the written responses to question ten are similar in viewing vaccination as a civic duty and public responsibility. Thirty-two participants also relate to the desire to keep case numbers low and to keep everyone safe (Figure 5). These similarities correlate with the 34 participants from question 9 who believe that mandatory vaccinations should be necessary (Figure 4).

As represented in question 11, 43 participants believed vaccines are safe and effective against Covid-19 (Figure 6). This correlates with the 34 participants for question 10 who believe that mandatory vaccinations should be in place and those who wrote answers about public responsibility and how the vaccine is the best way to keep infection numbers low (Figure 5). The six participants for question 11 who said they are unsure could be the same participants who chose the other options in question nine about getting vaccinated unless they had a medical reason not to (Figure 4). Another correlation to these 6 participants could be the individuals exposed to misinformation online since a majority of participants from question 12 received their vaccine information from social media or news platforms.