Young women ’most resistant’ group to vaccinate

Photo by Hakan Nural on Unsplash - Young women are the most reluctant group in Australia to get vaccinated against COVID-19 but their attitudes could change depending on their confidence in government, new findings from The Australian National University (ANU) show. Researchers tracked 3,030 people during the pandemic, in a nationally representative study, analysing the reasons why people are willing to be vaccinated against COVID-19, and attitudes toward vaccination.   "Young women were less willing than other groups to receive the vaccine," study lead, Dr Diana Cardenas, said.   "More than half of Australia's young men, aged 18 - 24, are keen to get vaccinated as soon as possible - 62 per cent - compared to 43 per cent of young women the same age."  The study showed older people, aged over 65, were the most willing to vaccinate (80 per cent) and most people in Australia (64 per cent) indicated they would get the COVID-19 jab as soon as possible.  "We found people - regardless of ethnicity, age and gender - who have greater confidence in state and the Federal governments are more willing to be vaccinated," ANU Professor Kate Reynolds said.  "Social cohesion also mattered. We found key drivers of getting vaccinated for COVID-19 included when people had a sense of belonging in their neighbourhood, and a belief that people are being treated fairly."  Experts say the research could assist the government in getting reluctant groups and the undecided over the line.  "It shows us trust in the government and social cohesion are important.