“The likeliness to continue getting vaccinated is lowest among the most vulnerable age group, that is, those aged 60 and above,” it said.

The study, which analysed data from 1,914 Malaysian adults in urban areas, was done by market research company Ipsos Malaysia in collaboration with Monash University, Sunway University, and Universiti Sains Malaysia in January.

It aimed to find out whether Malaysians intended to continue taking the booster doses and what were the motivating factors.

Overall, the study found that 56% of respondents said they were likely to continue to get boosted against Covid-19, while 32% remained on the fence.

“As discussions about a second booster begin to shape up, the main challenge will be getting the general population to get continually vaccinated, especially the vulnerable elderly group.

“Currently, the intention to continually get vaccinated is low among people,” it said.

Data also showed that respondents who have not tested positive for Covid-19 were less likely to continue getting booster doses compared with those who were infected.

A majority of respondents believe vaccines protect their health and improve their general well-being. Many of these respondents consider the vaccine as an enabler for them to go about their daily activities.

However, a higher percentage said that health and well-being were greater motivating factors to continuously getting the booster dose compared with convenience.

The study also found that short-term strategies which make multiple-boosted individuals’ lives easier, like being able to dine-in and travel, may move the population towards being continually vaccinated.

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