COVID-19 response: General Public
Read more about how the pandemic affected public opinion towards pharmaceutical companies operating in the UK
Few industries have had a more positive impact on the course of the pandemic than the pharmaceutical sector. This research, covering a year of the pandemic so far, shows how the reputation of the pharmaceutical sector in the UK has evolved in this time.
The pandemic has improved the public’s views of pharmaceutical companies operating in the UK according to the latest survey (March 2021)
The pandemic has thrust the pharmaceutical industry into the spotlight. A majority of the public (60%) say their views of the sector have become more positive since the outbreak of COVID-19, even though the public remains relatively unfamiliar with the sector (only 14% say they know a lot or a fair amount about it). Positive sentiment has increased over time, notably following the approval and distribution of vaccines in the UK.
They have done a remarkable job in creating a vaccine for COVID-19 in record time and supplying it in bulk
Thinking about the recent COVID-19/ Coronavirus pandemic. Please indicate how strongly you agree or disagree with the following statements…
Since the outbreak of COVID-19 / coronavirus my perception of pharmaceutical companies operating in the UK has become more positive (% strongly agree / tend to agree)
Thinking about the recent COVID-19/Coronavirus pandemic. Please indicate how strongly you agree or disagree with the following statements… (March 2021)
This has fundamentally shaped public opinion and trust in the sector. Prior to vaccine discovery and approval, the main factors behind public trust were broad references to producing medicines, and awareness of regulatory control over the sector’s activities. Today, the foundation of public trust in the sector is built on positive perceptions of the pandemic response, and its expediency.
The public increasingly agree that the sector has supported the NHS during the pandemic
Nearly seven in ten believe that pharmaceutical companies operating in the UK have supported the NHS during the pandemic and that they make medicines and vaccines for COVID-19 available and affordable for everyone. This sentiment has improved since the early days of the pandemic – just half agreed this was the case in July 2020.
They do a lot of good in developing future treatments for diseases.
