One third of Australians believe coronavirus is no more dangerous than a typical winter flu, and almost one in 10 say they’ll never be vaccinated against the illness even if a vaccine is developed.

An Essential poll of 1010 people found 32% said the disease — which has killed 733,000 people worldwide — was no more dangerous than the flu.

While 56% of respondents say they’ll be vaccinated straight away if a drug is developed, 35% say they will agree to being vaccinated, but not immediately, and 8% say they will never be vaccinated.

One fifth believe hydroxychloroquine has been shown to be a safe and effective treatment.