Support for coronavirus vaccines rises to 87% in latest survey

Anti-vaccine campaigner Willem Engel in happier times. Photo: ANP/Robin van Lonkhuijsen
Anti-vaccine campaigner Willem Engel in happier times. Photo: ANP/Robin van Lonkhuijsen

Nearly nine in 10 people are willing to be vaccinated against coronavirus, the highest proportion since the RIVM began canvassing opinion in September.

The public health agency carries out a survey every three weeks asking people whether they are prepared to have the vaccine. In the latest round 87% said they had already been immunised or planned to do so, rising to 95% among people over 55.

The RIVM says two-thirds of the whole population needs to be vaccinated against coronavirus to achieve herd immunity, though this level may need to be higher if more infectious variants become dominant.

Among 16 to 24-year-olds, the only age group still waiting to receive their invitations, 76% said they intended to have the jab.

In the first edition of the survey last September less than half (49%) of respondents were willing to be vaccinated, while by November the positive response rate had dropped below 40% among people under 40.

Since Wednesday everyone born in 1997 and earlier has been able to book an appointment via coronatest.nl or by calling 0800 7070.

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