Enhancing COVID-19 Vaccination Intentions by Eliciting Prosocial Altruistic Motives: Evaluating the Efficacy of a Brief Video-Based Intervention
Phase: NA
Conditions: Vaccine Refusal
Sponsor: Zeev Rosberger

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Document Cover Page 
 
Study Protocol  
 
Study Title: 
 
Enhancing COVID-19 Vaccination Intentions by Eliciting Prosocial Altruistic Motives: 
Evaluating the Efficacy of a Brief Video-Based Intervention   
 
NCT number: NCT04960228 
 
Date of Document: May 7th, 2021 
 
 

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RESEARCH STUDY TITLE: Enhancing COVID-19 Vaccination Intentions by Eliciting Prosocial 
Altruistic Motives: Evaluating the Efficacy of a Brief Video-Based Intervention 
PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR: Dr, Zeev Rosberger, Lady Davis Institute for Medical Research, 
4333, Chemin de la Côte-Sainte-Catherine, H3T 1E4 Phone: 514-340-8222 (ext 24215) Email: 
zeev.rosberger@mcgill.ca  
CO-INVESTIGATORS AND/OR RESEARCH ASSOCIATES/ASSISTANTS:  
Collaborators: Gregory Zimet (Indiana University School of Medicine), Matthew Tunis (NACI), 
Eve Dube (INSPQ)  
Research Associates: Ovidiu Tatar, Samara Perez  
Research Assistant: Gabrielle Griffin-Mathieu, Ben Haward 
SOURCE OF FUNDING: This project is supported by the McGill Interdisciplinary Initiative in 
Infection and Immunity (MI4) 
 
Introduction 
 
The COVID-19 vaccine is the most effective way to arrest the pandemic. A high vaccine 
acceptance rate is needed to achieve community immunity; however, current COVID-19 vaccine 
acceptance rate remains low, particularly among younger Canadians. We were recently awarded 
a McGill MI4 grant to examine the efficacy of a video intervention eliciting altruism on 
increasing younger Canadians’ (ages 20-39) intentions to receive the COVID-19 vaccine.   
 
Literature Review 
 
As Canada’s COVID-19 cases of infection and deaths continue to increase, it is 
imperative to stop the spread of the virus. Younger people (between ages 20-39) are more likely 
to spread the virus (1), while experiencing milder symptoms than older individuals. The COVID-
19 vaccine is the most effective way to control the pandemic by achieving community immunity 
through high vaccination rates. However, around 40% of Canadians are hesitant to accept the 
vaccine (2). In particular, younger age has been associated with COVID-19 hesitancy (3). 
Previous studies have found that individuals who demonstrated more prosocial behaviours were 
more likely to get a vaccine if it benefits others whom they value (4-7). Only two studies 
examined the usage of a text-based altruistic intervention to increase vaccine uptake (8, 9), but 
they were not specific to the Canadian context. In addition, video-based messaging is known to 
have high appeal to younger audiences, as seen by the success of platforms such as TikTok and 
Instagram.  
 
Study Rationale 
To the best of our knowledge, there have been no studies that examined the impact of 
altruism on COVID-19 vaccine intentions using a video-based intervention. 
 
Purpose of the Research 
This study has two objectives: 1) To develop a video-based intervention designed to elicit 
altruism in increasing younger adults’ intentions to receive a COVID-19 vaccine 2) To estimate 
the efficacy of this video intervention on young Canadians’ (ages 20-39) intentions to receive a 
COVID-19 vaccine. The results of this study will be used by public health authorities to increase 
COVID-19 vaccine uptake.  

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Development and validation of the video-based intervention 
Our team will work with a media company (Akufen) who will be contracted by us to 
create a two-minute video designed specifically to elicit altruistic motives to influence COVID-
19 vaccine intentions and uptake in our target population. The draft contract with the company 
Akufen is attached in section 13 “Other document” on Nagano (F11P-20611) and has also been 
sent to the LDI contracts office for approval (ID# RCO-3977) on 15 February 2021. 
As part of the development of our video, a preliminary aim will be to ensure clarity and 
face validity of our intervention with our target audience of Canadians between 20 and 39 years 
old.  
 
Methods 
Sample 
We will conduct two focus groups with a convenience sample of 6-8 participants to 
obtain feedback regarding comprehension and content of the video.  Inclusion criteria are being 
20 to 39 years of age, being current Canadian residents, and speaking English or French. Our 
only exclusion criterion is having received any number of doses of any of the COVID-19 
vaccines. We will recruit a diverse sample of participants, with both males and females, 
anglophones and francophones, and with a range in educational level. 
Recruitment Strategy 
  Due to the current pandemic situation, the safest and easiest way to recruit participants 
will be through social media postings (e.g. Facebook) in a set of diverse Facebook groups (e.g. 
Toronto City group, Gamers and Geeks Quebec, McGill Psychology Students Association, etc) 
directing them to get in touch with our research assistant by email or by phone. Eligibility 
criteria will be assessed by email/phone (depending on how the participant contacts us) by the 
research assistant, according to the eligibility criteria in the previous section. Eligible and 
interested participants will then be sent (by email) a copy of the consent form such that 
participants have enough time to read and understand the content, in order to make an informed 
decision. Then, they will be sent (by email) an invitation to a secure Microsoft Teams meeting, 
where they will give verbal informed consent. Subsequently, another Microsoft Teams meeting 
invitation will be sent to participants for the actual focus group study procedures.  
Procedure 
Focus groups will be conducted by two experienced members of the research team, with 
3-4 participants in each group. One focus group will take place in French, and the other will take 
place in English. In each focus group, one member of the research team will assume the role of 
moderator, and the other will assume the role of note-taker. The focus groups will take 
approximately 60-90 minutes. The focus groups will be recorded using Microsoft Teams. 
Participants will be informed that they are free to choose to have their cameras on or off during 
the study.   
Focus Group Topic Guide (English) 

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• Introduction: we will start by explaining the focus group procedures, our research project 
and our objectives, as outlined in the consent form.  
• “There are many reasons people decide to get vaccinated. Many choose to do so to 
protect themselves against a disease, or because their healthcare professional has 
recommended it. Today we will be presenting you with a video where we focus only on 
altruistic motivations for deciding to receive a vaccine. In other words, the video you will 
watch in a few minutes is about how some people decide to get vaccinated to protect 
others, as opposed to getting vaccinated to protect themselves.” 
• Show video 
• What are your initial impressions/thoughts/concerns? 
• What did you like about this video/what didn’t you like? 
• What do you think of the length? 
• Do you have any questions about the video? Was anything unclear to you? 
• To you, what is the main takeaway point from this video? 
• How does this video change your perspective, if it does? 
• Do you think this video could in any way change your decision regarding vaccination, 
and how? 
• Is there any way you consider that the delivery of the message can be improved? What 
would you change/add/remove? 
 
Focus Group Topic Guide (French) 
• 
Introduction: nous commencerons par expliquer la procédure du groupe de discussion, 
notre projet de recherche et nos objectifs, tel qu’indiqué dans le formulaire de 
consentement. 
• 
« Il existe de nombreuses raisons pour lesquelles les gens décident de se faire vacciner. 
Beaucoup choisissent de le faire pour se protéger contre une maladie ou parce que leur 
professionnel de la santé le leur a recommandé. Aujourd'hui, nous vous présenterons une 
vidéo où nous nous concentrons uniquement sur des raisons altruistes de décider de 
recevoir un vaccin. En d'autres termes, la vidéo que vous regarderez dans quelques 
minutes expliquera comment certaines personnes décident de se faire vacciner pour 
protéger les autres, plutôt que de se faire vacciner pour se protéger soi-même seulement. 
» 
• 
Afficher la vidéo 
• 
Quelles sont vos premières impressions ? 
• 
Qu'avez-vous aimé dans cette vidéo / qu'est-ce que vous n'avez pas aimé ? 
• 
Que pensez-vous de la longueur de la vidéo ? 
• 
Avez-vous des questions sur la vidéo ? Y a-t-il des éléments que vous n’avez pas bien 
compris ou qui n’étaient pas clairs selon vous ?  
• 
Pour vous, quel est le point principal à retenir de cette vidéo ? 
• 
En quoi cette vidéo change-t-elle votre point de vue, si c'est le cas ? 
• 
Pensez-vous que cette vidéo pourrait d'une manière ou d'une autre changer votre décision 
concernant la vaccination, et comment ? 
• 
Estimez-vous que la livraison du message pourrait être améliorée d'une manière ou d'une 
autre ? Comment ? Que changeriez-vous / ajouteriez-vous / supprimeriez-vous ? 

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Analytic Process 
 
Participants’ answers and comments will be written down by the note-taker during the 
focus groups. Focus groups will not be transcribed. Once both focus groups are completed, these 
notes will be compiled together in a single Word document, in a list format, without any 
identifying information - anonymized. Based on participants’ reactions and feedback overall, 
adjustments will be made to the video as it is being developed by the media design company 
Akufen with whom we are working to develop the video intervention. 
 
Funding 
 
This study is funded by the McGill Interdisciplinary Initiative in Infection and Immunity 
(MI4) (https://www.mcgill.ca/mi4/). Neither the principal investigator nor the institution is in a 
situation of conflict of interest as a result of this funding. 
 
Risks and Concerns 
Participating in this research study has no known physical risks. There is no evidence in 
the scientific literature that eliciting altruism could produce negative consequences or emotions 
in participants. However, it is possible that participants of the focus group may experience 
discomfort or upset as the result of the research intervention (video and discussion about its 
content). Participants will be informed that they are free to refuse to answer any question or stop 
their participation. 
At the end of each focus group, participants will be asked whether they have questions or 
concerns. Participants will also be provided with the link to a governmental website where they 
will find available resources in their regions: https://www.canada.ca/en/public-
health/services/mental-health-services/mental-health-get-help.html. 
 
Participants will also receive to the contact details of the principal investigator and the 
study coordinator should they have any additional questions or comments about the study. In 
addition, they will be provided with the contact numbers for the Local Commissioner of 
Complaints & Quality of Services at the JGH and for our laboratory.  
 
Participants will also be provided with a list of online resources about the COVID-19 
vaccines: 
- 
National Advisory Committee on Immunization (NACI) 
https://www.canada.ca/en/public-health/services/immunization/national-advisory-
committee-on-immunization-naci/recommendations-use-covid-19-vaccines.html 
- 
Public Health Agency of Canada (PHAC) https://www.canada.ca/en/public-
health/services/diseases/coronavirus-disease-covid-
19/vaccines.html?&utm_campaign=hc-sc-
covidvaccine&utm_medium=sem&utm_source=ggl&utm_content=ad-text-
en&utm_term=%2Bcovid%20%2B19%20%2Bvaccine&adv=2021-
0051&id_campaign=12088104441&id_source=116538480476&id_content=4919716
64630 
 

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 Inconvenience 
Inconveniences involve time commitment, identifying a quiet location in which they will 
have privacy and be able to concentrate for approximately 60-90 minutes. No additional 
inconveniences will be involved as participants will not be required to travel to our lab.  
 
Benefits 
 
Participants will not receive any direct personal benefit from participating in this focus 
group.  
 
Compensation 
Participants will be compensated 35 dollars for taking the time to participate in our focus 
group that will require concentration, as well as finding a quiet and private location for the 
duration of the focus group (approximately 60-90 minutes). The compensation will be delivered 
through Interac e-transfer which is password-protected, using participants’ email address of their 
choice. If participants do not wish to receive the payment through Interac e-transfer, a cheque 
will be sent to them via postal mail. 
 
Confidentiality 
Focus groups will be conducted via the video conferencing platform Microsoft Teams. 
Prior to the study itself, verbal informed consent will be obtained in which participants will first 
be provided with a Microsoft Teams meeting link where they will be audio-recorded providing 
verbal informed consent. The participants will be informed that they should turn off their 
cameras for this step, as only the audio recording is required for verbal informed consent. If the 
participant consents to taking part in the study, they will state their full name, the date, and that 
they consent to take part in the study, according to the script on the last page of the consent form. 
After having stated these elements, the recording will be ended, as well as the Microsoft Teams 
meeting, and an e-mail will be sent to confirm that their informed verbal consent was obtained. 
Then, in an additional e-mail, a new Microsoft Teams link (distinct from the one provided for 
obtaining verbal informed consent) will be provided to start a new Microsoft Teams meeting, 
where the focus group will take place. Participants will be informed that they are free to choose 
to have their cameras on or off during the study. Participants will also be informed that their 
participation in the study is entirely voluntary and that they may decline to discuss any question 
that makes them feel uncomfortable or terminate the study at any time. 
No identifying or contact information will be collected for this study except for their 
email address, province of residence (QC/ON), current age, mother tongue French/English, and 
education level – all of which are collected strictly for recruitment purposes. No participant’s 
identifying information will be kept on file with the focus group notes – the notes will be taken 
anonymously. The moderator will ask participants to keep the information shared between them 
private but will inform participants that they cannot guarantee that other participants will not 
share this information outside of the focus group setting. 
Verbal informed consent audio-recordings, focus group recordings, as well as compiled, 
anonymous notes taken during the focus groups will be saved on the “Zeev Rosberger File 
Share” stored on a secure Lady Davis Institute server, where backups are being performed 
regularly by the LDI and stored files are encrypted (only accessible by individuals who have the 
credentials to access the data). These files will be accessible remotely to designated members of 
the research team through a File Cloud. Five (5) lab members will have access to this data (the 

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Study Coordinator, two Research Associates, a Master’s student and the Principal Investigator). 
These individuals will enter their LDI account credentials to obtain access to the electronic files 
stored on the Zeev Rosberger File Share.  
Verbal informed consent audio-recordings, focus group recordings, and focus group notes 
will each be stored in separate folders of the shared secure drive i.e. one folder for verbal 
informed consent audio-recordings, one for focus group recordings, and another for the 
anonymous focus group notes. 
This data will be stored and kept for 10 years, and then permanently destroyed as per 
CIUSSS-West-Central Montreal policy. The security tool BC Wipe (www.jetico.com) will be 
used for permanent destruction of the electronic files. 
For surveillance, monitoring and protection purposes, your research file may be consulted 
by a person mandated by the CIUSSS du Centre-Ouest-de-l'Île-de-Montréal Research Ethics 
Board. This person is subject to a confidentiality policy. 
 
Incidental Findings 
 
This is not an experimental study and does not involve medical sample analysis, 
incidental findings concerning their physical or psychological health are not expected.  
 
Participants will be provided with the research lab’s contact information, and if they 
express concerns during the study or afterwards, we will be able to direct them to relevant 
resources for them to seek help. 
 
Communication and Publication of Research Results 
Results of these focus groups will be used only to inform the development of the video 
intervention, with the objective of ensuring its clarity and validity as it relates to our target 
audience. The final version of the video-based intervention will be submitted as an amendment 
to the REB for approval before proceeding to the next steps. 
Evaluating the efficacy of the video-based intervention 
Study design  
While we have essentially kept the pre-post evaluation format as per the approved MI4 
proposal we have decided to improve the research design by adding a control condition, 
therefore making this a randomized controlled trial. The full research proposal that has been 
submitted to the McGill Interdisciplinary Initiative in Infection and Immunity (MI4) and 
approved for funding is attached in section 13 “Other document” on Nagano (F11P-20611). 
 
Methods 
Sample 
A survey will be administered online to a sample of Canadian residents aged 20-39 years 
old in both English and French. Our only exclusion criterion is having received any number of 
doses of any currently available COVID-19 vaccine. A sample of 2,630 participants will be 
drawn from a database panel provided by Dynata, the world’s largest first-party data and insight 

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platform, to complete the survey. Dynata’s use of Canadian census data from Statistics Canada 
and quota-based sampling will ensure that the sample will closely match the Canadian 
population in terms of sex, first language English/French, population density (i.e. urban vs. 
rural), and household income. 
To calculate the required sample size for the within-participant change in vaccine 
hesitancy (i.e., pre-post intervention) we used the latest survey data showing that approximately 
40% of Canadians in this age group are COVID-19 vaccine hesitant i.e., don’t know yet or 
would refuse vaccination. Estimating a 5% decrease of hesitancy in the intervention group and a 
correlation of about 0.45 between paired observations, the intervention group requires a sample 
size of 1315 pairs for detecting a 5% change of marginal proportions at a power of 80% and two-
sided significance of 5%. 
We will use 1:1 randomization of participants. Thus, 50% will be allocated to the 
intervention and 50% to the control group. Using equal size groups will allow us to detect a 
between group difference in vaccine intentions of 5-6% with a power of 0.8 and a two-sided 
significance of 5%. The total sample required for this study is 2630 participants i.e., 1315 in the 
intervention group and 1315 in the control group. 
Recruitment Strategy 
Dynata will send invitations in various forms (e.g., e-mail invitations, text messages and 
in-app alerts) to recruit eligible participants from their existing panel (individuals who have signed 
with Dynata and have expressed willingness to receive invitations to various appropriate surveys) 
until recruitment goals and quotas are met. For recruitment purposes only, Dynata collects IP 
addresses as an identifier to make sure that the same person is not recruited for the same study 
multiple times. IP addresses are not retained by Dynata after the study and are not shared with the 
researchers. Dynata has identifying socio-demographic information that allows them to use our 
inclusion and exclusion criteria to recruit eligible participants. None of this information is 
communicated to the research team. Please refer to the “confidentiality” section for Dynata’s 
privacy policies. 
An electronic consent form describing the study goals and procedure will be provided at 
the start of the survey, after which participants will be asked whether they consent to taking part 
in the survey. Once they click on the icon that states they agree to participate, consent will be 
implied. The information collected for the survey is completely anonymous. If they decline, the 
survey will be terminated.  
Procedure 
Stratified randomization will be used to allocate participants to either: 1) intervention 
condition: viewing a 2-minute altruism-eliciting video, or 2) control condition: reading a text 
containing information (from the Public Health Agency of Canada website: 
https://www.canada.ca/en/public-health/services/diseases/2019-novel-coronavirus-
infection/prevention-risks.html) about general health behaviours and public health 
recommendations concerning COVID-19 e.g. hand hygiene and respiratory etiquette, wearing 
non-medical masks, physical distancing, etc. Within each stratum (first language, sex, population 
density and household income), participants will be allocated randomly using a 1-to-1 ratio (1 to 
the intervention condition and 1 to the control condition). 
The online survey will be approximately 10 minutes in length and will be available in 
both French and English. After reading the introductory statement of the study, participants will 

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be asked whether they consent to taking part in the survey. Those who consent to taking part in 
the survey will be invited to go to the next page and start completing the survey. Participants will 
first be asked to answer several socio-demographic questions and will be asked to choose one of 
the following categories which describe their COVID-19 vaccine decision-making stage 
according to the Precaution Adoption Process Model (PAPM): unengaged, undecided, decided 
not to receive the vaccine, or decided to receive the vaccine. 
Subsequently, depending on their randomly assigned condition, participants will either be 
shown a 2-minute altruism-eliciting video, or a brief informational text.  After viewing this 
content, to ensure that participants paid attention, participants will answer questions about the 
contents to check their understanding.  
Finally, participants will: 1) once again be asked to choose their COVID-19 vaccine 
decision-making stage; 2) be asked questions regarding previous vaccination history (e.g. 
seasonal influenza), lifestyle factors, self-perceived health status, personal history of SARS-
CoV-2 infection, and preferred health-information channels; and 3) complete validated scales 
regarding altruism, empathy, personal distress, and vaccine hesitancy.  
 
Funding 
 
This study is funded by the McGill Interdisciplinary Initiative in Infection and Immunity 
(MI4) (https://www.mcgill.ca/mi4/). Neither the principal investigator nor the institution is in a 
situation of conflict of interest as a result of this funding. 
 
Risks and Concerns 
Participating in this research study has no known or serious risks. There is no evidence in 
the scientific literature that eliciting altruism could produce negative consequences or emotions 
in participants. However, it is possible that participants of the focus group may experience 
discomfort or upset as the result of the research intervention. 
 
In the event that participants experience discomfort after the study procedures, they will 
also be provided with the link to a governmental website where they will find available resources 
in their regions: https://www.canada.ca/en/public-health/services/mental-health-services/mental-
health-get-help.html. 
 
Further, if the participants have any additional questions or comments related to this 
survey, they may contact the principal investigator or the study coordinator, as indicated at the 
beginning of the survey before providing consent. Participants will also be provided at the 
beginning of the survey with the contact numbers for the Local Commissioner of Complaints & 
Quality of Services at the JGH.  
At the end of the survey, participants will also be provided with a list of online resources 
about the COVID-19 vaccines: 
- 
National Advisory Committee on Immunization (NACI) 
https://www.canada.ca/en/public-health/services/immunization/national-advisory-
committee-on-immunization-naci/recommendations-use-covid-19-vaccines.html 
- 
Public Health Agency of Canada (PHAC) https://www.canada.ca/en/public-
health/services/diseases/coronavirus-disease-covid-
19/vaccines.html?&utm_campaign=hc-sc-
covidvaccine&utm_medium=sem&utm_source=ggl&utm_content=ad-text-

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en&utm_term=%2Bcovid%20%2B19%20%2Bvaccine&adv=2021-
0051&id_campaign=12088104441&id_source=116538480476&id_content=4919716
64630 
 
Inconvenience 
Inconveniences involve time commitment of about 10 minutes. There will be no 
additional inconveniences as the survey will be filled out online, and as such they are not 
required to travel to our lab.  
 
Benefits 
 
Participants will not receive any direct personal benefit from participating in this study; 
however, the research results from this survey will be used to inform public health authorities on 
promoting COVID-19 vaccine uptake, especially among younger Canadians between ages 20-39.  
 
Compensation 
Compensation will be handled by the survey company Dynata, who is responsible for the 
data collection. Dynata’s compensation options allow panelists to redeem from a large range of 
gift cards, points programs (e.g., Aeroplan), charitable contributions, and partner products or 
services (e.g., Hertz). All compensation is awarded only once the survey is completed. This 
study will compensate approximately $2.50-$3 depending on the way the respondent chooses to 
use their rewards. 
 
Confidentiality 
All data in this study will be collected online. Participants will be informed that the 
information collected as part of the survey will be confidential and that their participation is 
anonymous to the research team. 
Dynata has identifying socio-demographic information that allows them to use our 
inclusion and exclusion criteria to recruit eligible participants. None of this information is 
communicated to the research team. Dynata will send anonymized survey data to the research 
team. The following summarizes Dynata’s privacy policies: 
 
We follow all national, regional and local laws with respect to privacy and data protection. As 
such, the privacy policy for each panel adheres to local law. We ensure our panels comply with all 
applicable industry standards set by ESOMAR, MRS (UK), AMSRS (Australia), BVM (Germany), Insights 
Association (U.S.), etc. Among others, this includes observing the following guidelines: • Voluntary co-
operation of panelists • Protection of researchers’ and participants’ identities • Terms & conditions and 
privacy policies compliant with local laws • State-of-the-art data security policies and measures • 
Reliable and validated data procedures • Strict adherence to rules governing the interviewing of children 
and young people. For examples of our privacy policies in individual markets, please refer to: • EU 
privacy policy: http://www.opinionoutpost.co.uk/en-gb/policies/privacy • All other countries privacy 
policy: https://www.surveyspot.com/policies/privacy 
 
From: 
https://www.dynata.com/?utm_source=google&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=dynata&utm_content
=searchdy&gclid=CjwKCAiA_9r_BRBZEiwAHZ_v1wr8Cu0VLTmAXmkPYSoZjTBGvq2Xvc8PVvq-
ud1seg2QGbMnyiHMtRoCc8wQAvD_BwE 

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Dynata follows all local data protection regulations. Our training teams conduct extensive 
trainings on Data Protection with client-facing staff highlighting industry (ESOMAR, Insights 
Association, etc.) guidelines and legal recommendations. We have secure servers to carry out the 
collection of survey data. Sampling is undertaken with highly encrypted links to the database servers. 
Personal information is fully protected and can only be communicated following a strict procedure. We 
also use randomization procedures to ensure there is no preferential treatment of certain parts of the 
database. Our sampling teams do not have direct access to the database to reveal the identity of users. 
Survey data is linked to the panel database using numeric IDs so the identity of the end-user (panelist) is 
always protected. As a company with extensive panel data assets based on recruitment and a 
“permissioned” approach, we understand the importance of having a mutually beneficial relationship 
with our research participants – whether consumers or business professionals – and the value which such 
a relationship brings to enriching marketing and communications. To protect our respondents’ valuable 
personal information, Dynata has a team dedicated to privacy law compliance, including the GDPR. 
From: 
https://www.dynata.com/?utm_source=google&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=dynata&utm
_content=searchdy&gclid=CjwKCAiA_9r_BRBZEiwAHZ_v1wr8Cu0VLTmAXmkPYSoZjTBGvq2Xvc
8PVvq-ud1seg2QGbMnyiHMtRoCc8wQAvD_BwE 
 
The survey company Dynata uses a survey software called Decipher, and information 
collected as part of this survey will be stored on a Decipher Canadian server. All information 
collected will be stored in Canada, on Canadian servers for a duration of three months starting 
after the data has been collected, to provide the research team with enough to ensure the dataset 
is complete. Anonymized survey data collected by Dynata will be sent to the Study Coordinator 
who will be in charge of overseeing the storage of data and study documents. This anonymized 
survey data will be stored on the “Zeev Rosberger File Share” stored on a secure Lady Davis 
Institute server, where backups are being performed regularly by the LDI and stored files are 
encrypted (only accessible by individuals who have the credentials to access the data). These 
files will be accessible remotely to designated members of the research team through a File 
Cloud. Five (5) lab members will have access to this data (the Study Coordinator, two Research 
Associates, a Master’s student and the Principal Investigator). These individuals will enter their 
LDI account credentials to obtain access to the electronic files stored on the Zeev Rosberger File 
Share. This data will be stored and kept for 10 years, and then permanently destroyed as per 
CIUSSS-West-Central Montreal policy. The security tool BC Wipe (www.jetico.com) will be 
used for permanent destruction of the electronic files.  
 
 
Incidental Findings 
 
This study does not involve medical sample analysis, therefore this is not applicable here.  
 
Participants will be provided with the research team’s contact information, and if they 
express concerns or discomfort during the study or afterwards, we will be able to direct them to 
relevant resources for them to seek help. 
 
Communication and Publication of Research Results 
The results of this study will directly inform development of public health strategies to 
help promote COVID-19 vaccine uptake among younger Canadians in order to control the 
pandemic in the future and protect those at higher risk of hospitalisation and death (e.g., elderly, 

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those with chronic diseases). Results will be shared with the Public Health Agency of Canada 
and the Institut national de santé publique du Québec, whose representatives are co-investigators 
on this project. Publication of results in the peer-reviewed scientific literature are also planned. 
 
References 
 
1. 
 Government of Canada. Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19): Epidemiology update 
2020 [https://health-infobase.canada.ca/covid-19/epidemiological-summary-covid-19-
cases.html#a2.]  
2. 
Angus Reid Institute. Itching for injection: Number of Canadians who say they want to 
be vaccinated ASAP against COVID-19 surges. Angus Reid Institute; 2021. 
3.  
Fisher KA, Bloomstone SJ, Walder J, et al. Attitudes Toward a Potential SARS-CoV-2 
Vaccine: A Survey of U.S. Adults. Ann Intern Med. 2020. 
4.  
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