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To Vax or Not to Vax: Potential Behavioural Science-Based Influences on the COVID-19 Vaccination Choice
As I write this, Australia’s COVID-19 vaccination rates are continuing to rise. My state of NSW has exceptionally high numbers: 89.1% double dose and 93.8% single dose for those aged 16 and over.
However, the topic of vaccination continues to be a heated and often emotionally fuelled discussion. In recent months, these tensions have bubbled to the surface, making their way into public conversations and those with friends and family. There are articles about people breaking up with friends over their vaccination stance, debates over vaccine mandates, protests, and tensions increasing between pro and anti-vax groups.
As my social circle knows, I am ardently pro-vaccination. However, I have tried here to step back from my personal views to an extent and take an approach through the lens of behavioural science: What might influence our decision-making process when it comes to the COVID-19 vaccination?
What little nudges might we unknowingly experience that bump us towards one stance or the other?
Needless to say, whether or not to get a COVID-19 vaccination is ultimately a personal choice. Political, philosophical, economic, cultural, and other factors can all play into that choice, and could each…
