Bremen's willingness to vaccinate against Corona is decreasing - what now?

Bremen's willingness to vaccinate against Corona is decreasing - what now?

Germany has recently seen a rise in coronavirus infections, which is particularly noticeable in Bremen. The seven-day incidence rose to 3.5 Covid-19 cases per 100,000 inhabitants on September 23rd, above the national average of 3.2 cases. A month ago the incidence was 1.7 cases. In view of this situation, Holger Schelp, the chairman of the Bremen General Practitioners Association, expresses concern about the ever-decreasing interest in corona vaccinations. This development could have fatal consequences for health protection, especially since the willingness to vaccinate has fallen even in risk groups, while many people perceive the coronavirus to be less threatening than it was a year ago. 

General practitioners could theoretically vaccinate against the coronavirus all year round. However, many practices took a break over the summer months. Vaccine vials contain six doses, which means that at least a certain number of people willing to be vaccinated are always needed. If this interest is lacking, the serum must be thrown away, which is considered inconvenient. Family doctors would therefore like to have vaccine containers with just one dose, but these are currently not available. According to that Weser courier The corona vaccines are ordered together with the flu vaccines, but here too the orders are not particularly extensive.

Willingness to vaccinate is decreasing

The first studies on willingness to vaccinate in Germany show that 67% of the general population is willing to be vaccinated. However, 32.7% are skeptical or reject the vaccination; The main reasons for this are fears about possible side effects and the belief that the virus is not dangerous. This skepticism was reduced by the perception that the risk of serious side effects from flu vaccinations is high, according to a study based on the PubMed Central was published. In the case of personal or family infections, however, the willingness to vaccinate increased.

It can also be observed that men are often more willing to be vaccinated than women. Higher education also correlates with greater willingness to be vaccinated. Interestingly, 72% of respondents rate their personal experience with Covid-19 as low, which also reduces the pressure on people to vaccinate. Trust in institutions like the Robert Koch Institute (RKI) has a significant impact on willingness to vaccinate, because the higher the trust, the greater the willingness to vaccinate.

Risk groups and vaccination guidelines

Despite the declining willingness to vaccinate, vaccination still makes sense for people over 60 and for younger people with risk factors. Current surveys show that 44.5% of people see themselves as part of a risk group, with willingness to be vaccinated in this group at 77.6%. Whether the perception of Covid-19 as less threatening also leads to less media coverage remains to be seen, but is reminiscent of previous statements about vaccination acceptance and behavior that have already been made by the Medical Journal were discussed intensively.

The range of corona tests remains in demand in Bremen drugstores. The population informs their family doctors by telephone about possible infections, although in mild cases a visit to the practice is often not necessary. Incapacity to work can also be determined by telephone, which eases some of the pressure on doctors' offices.

The development of willingness to vaccinate and behavior regarding Covid-19 vaccinations show a clear trend. It remains to be hoped that targeted information campaigns will help to revitalize interest in vaccinations among the population and thus increase protection against infection.