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  • 2022
  • Working Paper

Addressing Vaccine Hesitancy: Experimental Evidence from Nine Countries during the COVID-19 Pandemic

By: Vincenzo Galasso, Vincent Pons, Paola Profeta, Michael Becher, Sylvain Brouard and Martial Foucault
  • Format:Print
  • | Language:English
  • | Pages:31
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Abstract

Millions of people refuse COVID-19 vaccination. Using original data from two surveys in nine OECD countries, we analyze the determinants of anti-vax intentions in December 2020 and show that half of the anti-vax individuals were vaccinated by summer 2021. Vaccinations were more likely among individuals aged 50+, exposed to COVID-19, compliant with public restrictions, more informed on traditional media, trusting scientists, and less concerned about vaccines’ side effects. We run a survey experiment with informational messages. In EU countries, a message about protecting health largely increases vaccinations, even among anti-vax individuals. In the U.K. and U.S., a message about protecting the economy generates similar effects. Our findings suggest that informational campaigns should adopt adequate narratives and address concerns about vaccines’ side effects.

Keywords

COVID-19; Vaccination; Vaccine Hesitancy; Information Campaigns; Health Pandemics; Behavior; Information

Citation

Galasso, Vincenzo, Vincent Pons, Paola Profeta, Michael Becher, Sylvain Brouard, and Martial Foucault. "Addressing Vaccine Hesitancy: Experimental Evidence from Nine Countries during the COVID-19 Pandemic." NBER Working Paper Series, No. 29741, February 2022.
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About The Author

Vincent Pons

Business, Government and the International Economy
→More Publications

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  • The Creation and Fissuring of Consensus By: Vincent Pons
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  • Spanish Labor Law: Lifting all Boats or Leveling Down? By: Vincent Pons
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