EVEN if a COVID-19 vaccine was available, some Mackay residents would not line up to get jabbed.

Apathy and anti-vaccination conspiracies were common when the Daily Mercury asked residents if they would get a COVID-19 vaccination as soon as it became available.

Some residents were enthusiastic about a cure to the virus that has shut down the nation, infected 14.5 million and killed more than 600,000 people globally.

Others were more sceptical.

"We've been doing a fair bit of research into Bill Gates," Nathan Johnstone said.

"The way he's talking about depopulation through vaccines for a few years.

"I'm not going to be part of it. Not at this stage."

Ian 'Swamp' Bellamy, however, said a vaccine would be key to repressing the spread of the deadly virus.

"We have to slow it down to get the world back to normal," Mr Bellamy said.

"We eventually have to stop it don't we?

"You either do it or you'll die."

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Fellow Mackay Harbour resident Werner Van Der Linde agreed.

"Just to prevent it spreading. People are dying," he said.

It comes as the Queensland Government clinched a deal to stockpile 100 million vials of any vaccine the University of Queensland developed.

The UQ researchers are leading the global race for a lifesaving vaccine, with test jabs on volunteers in clinical trials this month.

The researchers said enough doses would be set aside for every Australian if a vaccine was produced next year.

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Would you get the COVID-19 vaccine as soon as it is available?

Here's what Mackay residents had to say …

Ian 'Swamp' Bellamy, Mackay Harbour

"Yeah I think so. We eventually have to stop it don't we? We have to slow it down to get the world back to normal. You either do it or you'll die."

Chandler Baker, Andergrove

"Probably not. We've been doing a lot of research into it. And at this time, no. I wouldn't want to be one of the first."

Paul Butler, Beaconsfield

"Maybe. I haven't thought about it. If I lived in Sydney I would. I'm just not that fussed about it."

Werner Van Der Linde, Mackay Harbour

"Yes. For safety and health precautions. Just to prevent it spreading. People are dying."

Nathan Johnstone, Andergrove

"We've been doing a fair bit of research into Bill Gates and the way he's talking about depopulation through vaccines for a few years. I'm not going to be part of it. Not at this stage."

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Venetta Bennett, Mackay Harbour

"Yes. I've had to have the flu vaccine for the first time this year. I'm a social worker so to work with clients, particularly older people, they force you into it. I was very reluctant, but I will probably be forced into it again for work."

Jasmine Nahow, Tieri, south west of Middlemount

"No. I'm not into that. I've always been brought up like that - I'm just a natural person. It's not something I want."

Marina Russell, Queensland resident travelling around Australia

"No. I'm not a big fan of vaccines. I think the body should heal naturally. I understand for people who are vulnerable it's a good idea, but it's not something I would do."