Health Minister Yves Bolduc announced Tuesday swine flu vaccinations in the province will begin within two weeks, but a new poll suggests that a large number of Quebecers do not intend to get vaccinated against the swine flu -- mainly because they are worried about possible harmful side effects.
The Leger Marketing poll, conducted for the Journal de Montreal, says 43 percent of people in the province have no intention of getting the vaccine.
A quarter of respondents said they were undecided.
According to the poll, women are more reluctant than men to get the shot.
The poll suggested that Quebecers are hesitant about the vaccine because they fear its effects more than the flu itself.
The poll also found that one third of Quebec parents don't plan to have their children vaccinated, while older Quebecers are more inclined to go get vaccinated.
The Internet-based survey was conducted Oct.15-17 among 1062 Quebecers, aged 18 or older.
