Coronavirus vaccine hesitancy by age group

The UK is leading Europe for the speed of its vaccine rollout. However, not all groups are equally likely to take up the offer of a jab. Perhaps understandably, those with no to minimal risk of serious harm from COVID-19 are more hesitant to be vaccinated. 17% of 16-29 year olds reported hesitancy, compared with just 1% of people aged over 70.

The world is racing to roll out coronavirus vaccines in our best hope to combat the virus and return our societies to the way of life we are accustomed to. 

Currently, the UK is one of the leading nations worldwide for the speed of delivery of its vaccine programme, behind only Israel, United Arab Emirates and Chile in terms of the proportion of the population having received a single dose so far. 

One of the most significant barriers to successful vaccine programmes is the hesitancy or reluctance by individuals to take up the offer of a jab. Several reasons are given by people not wishing to be vaccinated. Some people are staunchly against vaccines of any kind, but this coronavirus vaccine has prompted hesitancy in many for other, more specific reasons. Concern about side effects or effects on long term health are the most commonly given reasons by those expressing hesitancy. This may be understandable given the novel nature and rapid development of the vaccine. 

The majority of people in the UK report a positive sentiment towards the vaccine. But overwhelmingly, younger age groups are the most hesitant to be vaccinated, undoubtedly reflecting the minimal risk from the virus posed to younger, healthy people. Among 16-29 year old, 17% expressed hesitancy to take up the jab. In contrast, just 1% of people aged over 70 are reluctant to be vaccinated.