Fear of the Coronavirus and Scepticism about Vaccination

(© Image: Adobestock) - Although the individual risk of becoming infected with the coronavirus and falling ill with COVID-19 is currently estimated as being higher than was the case in summer, the willingness to be vaccinated is still not particularly great. In mid-2020, just under 55 percent of the respondents of a representative survey stated that they would probably, or very probably, be vaccinated. However, the willingness to be vaccinated in November/early December was only at 46 percent, despite rising infection rates and the prospect of a vaccine being available shortly. In their second online survey, academics from Heidelberg University surveyed approximately 1,100 people about the measures being taken to combat the coronavirus pandemic, and about their confidence in government, science and the media. The results are available for access on the internet. The survey - again based on a representative sample - was conducted from 30 November to 11 December. It follows the first survey held in late June/early July involving about 1,300 people in Germany.