To this end, 20,500 people across Germany were interviewed as part of a representative population survey.

The figures from the study make it clear that various strategies for increasing vaccination readiness could also be of great relevance in Germany.

Only about 67 percent of those questioned are willing to be vaccinated or have already been vaccinated. Another 17 percent are undecided and 16 percent completely refuse a vaccination.

The results of the survey experiment indicate that all three strategies examined (giving back freedoms for vaccinated persons, financial incentives, and vaccinations from primary care physicians) are able to increase individuals’ willingness to be vaccinated.

In particular, within the group of those undecided, the willingness to be vaccinated can be increased noticeably. Each of the three strategies can increase the willingness to be vaccinated by around five percentage points, in combination even up to 13 percentage points. On the other hand, the three strategies hardly show any effect in the group of those who oppose vaccination.

In addition, it can be observed that the three strategies work differently for different population groups. While the willingness of older respondents can be increased by vaccinations administered by the primary care physician, younger respondents are more likely to be convinced by the prospect of more freedom.

A financial incentive can also noticeably increase an individual’s willingness to be vaccinated, whereby the amount of the payment plays a role. A effect can only be seen if the amount is sufficiently high (50 euros), while a sum that is too small (25 euros) has little effect.

Summary

With suitable strategies, governments can markedly increase the willingness of the population to be vaccinated. In the near future, this increase could become a decisive component when it comes to vaccinating enough citizens to be able to establish herd immunity and stop the coronavirus pandemic.