Greeks and Covid-19 Vaccine: 11% are Hesitant to Get the Jab, 8% Say ‘No’

Photo source: European Union / Photographer: Claudio Centonze

Eighty one percent of Greeks have been vaccinated or have set an appointment and will definitely get the jab, a nationwide survey by Focus Bari | YouGov shows.

The survey, which was conducted in October among 635 Greeks aged 18-74, also reveals that one in ten (11 percent) are skeptical or undecided about the vaccine, while 8 percent say they are “refusers” (anti-vaxxers) and do not intend to get vaccinated.

The largest percentage of skeptics is found in the 18-44 age group, while anti-vaxxers are evenly distributed among all age groups.

The percentage of anti-vaxxers has dropped from 20 percent in the January-February period to 15 percent in April; to 13 percent in June; and to 8 percent in October.

In addition, the percentage of skeptics dropped from 43 percent in February to 31 percent in April; to20 percent in June; and to 8 percent in October.

Women appear more hesitant (13 percent) compared to men (9 percent) and slightly more negative (8 percent compared to 7 percent, respectively).

The percentage of anti-vaxxers and reluctant citizens is higher in Thessaloniki (20 percent) compared to Attica (15 percent).

Greece is one of the countries with the lowest rate of vaccinations, according to the Focus Bari | YouGov survey.

Side effects and gov’t pressure main reasons Greeks say no

Meanwhile, another survey conducted by the Institute of Alternative Policies – ENA and Prorata confirms that health concerns and government pressure are the main reasons why many Greeks say “no” to the jab. They specifically cite their concern on the “immediate or possible side effects of the vaccines” (66 percent) as well as the “pressure they feel to get vaccinated” (52 percent).

Other responses include:
– “I have already recovered from Covid-19” (15 percent)
– “I am not in danger from Covid-19” (12 percent)
– “Vaccines are not effective” (11 percent)
– “I cannot get vaccinated due to health issues (5 percent) or
– “Religious reasons” (4 percent).

The survey was conducted between October 1-7.