People with primary education and people living in households with a net income of less than CZK 30 000 per month are less likely to be vaccinated against covid-19, according to an analysis of data from the Life in a Pandemic survey by researchers from the HEPII institute. Whether people trust experts and government institutions is key to their decision-making. According to the researchers, it is therefore important to build trust consistently.
A team from the Health Economics, Policy, and Innovation Institute (HEPII) analysed data collected from the large-scale Life in a Pandemic survey, specifically from its 50th wave, which involved 1,677 respondents. The analysis showed a relationship between willingness to undergo a second booster dose of covid-19 vaccination and selected factors. Women, people with primary or secondary education without a high school diploma, and members of households with a net income of less than CZK 30 000 per month were less likely to be vaccinated.
Researchers also point to the correlation between the decision to vaccinate and the trust people feel towards experts, the media and state institutions – i.e. towards the actors who formulate and adopt socially binding measures. Therefore, it is important that the state starts reflecting citizens' trust in individual institutions and groups of people as soon as possible when communicating its measures. Although trust in state institutions is a long-term process, the quality of communication from the public administration needs to be strengthened now.
Read the full HEPII policy report here in Czech.
Issuing policy reports is important for several reasons. First, they provide reliable and up-to-date information that can help policymakers and government institutions make good decisions. This allows them to take preventive measures and start addressing problems before a crisis arises. Policy reports also increase efficiency and cost savings through evidence-based recommendations. They also strengthen the legitimacy and public trust in institutions and offer a deep understanding of complex challenges, enabling the development of sustainable and effective strategies. Reports belonging to the ECON MUNI Policy Reports Series will be published on our website and social media.
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