Medizinische Universität Graz Austria/Österreich - Forschungsportal - Medical University of Graz
Gewählte Publikation:
SHR Neuro Krebs Kardio Lipid Stoffw Microb
Walach, H; Ofner, M; Ruof, V; Herbig, M; Klement, RJ.
Why do people consent to receiving SARS-CoV-2 vaccinations? A representative survey in Germany
BMJ OPEN. 2022; 12(8): e060555
Doi: 10.1136/bmjopen-2021-060555
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- Co-Autor*innen der Med Uni Graz
- Ofner Michael
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- Abstract:
- Objective To answer the question: Why do people consent to being vaccinated with novel vaccines against SARS-CoV-2? Design Representative survey. Setting Online panel. Participants 1032 respondents of the general German population. Method A representative survey among German citizens in November/December 2021 that resulted in 1032 complete responses on vaccination status, sociodemographic parameters and opinions about the COVID-19 situation. Results Almost 83% of the respondents were vaccinated. The major motivation was fear of medical consequences of an infection and the wish to lead a normal life again. The major motivation to be not vaccinated was the fear of side effects and scepticism about long-term effectiveness and safety. Sixteen per cent of vaccinated respondents reported some serious side effect, while more than 30% reported health improvements, mostly due to the relief of psychological stress and social reintegration. We also validated a 'Corona Orthodoxy Score-COS' consisting of seven items reflecting opinions on COVID-19. The scale is reliable (alpha=0.76) and unidimensional. The COS was a highly significant predictor of vaccination status and readiness to be vaccinated in a multivariable logistic regression model. Those who were vaccinated were more likely to live in smaller households (OR=0.82, p=0.024), had a higher income (OR=1.27, p<0.001), a higher COS score (OR 1.4, p<0.0001) and used less alternative media (OR=0.44, p=0.0024) and scientific publications (OR=0.42, p=0.011) as information sources. Conclusions The major motives for being vaccinated are fear of medical symptoms and the wish to lead a normal life. Those not wanting to be vaccinated cite a lack of knowledge regarding long-term safety and side effects as reasons. This can likely only be overcome by careful and active long-term efficacy and safety monitoring.
- Find related publications in this database (Keywords)
- COVID-19
- health policy
- immunology
- public health