According to De Groot, it will be a challenge to convince young adults to get vaccinated. “That is a concern and a problem. Some have shown through their behavior that they do not take corona so seriously. That is a considerable group. A good communication strategy will be needed to achieve this.”
Young people think they are untouchable and may think that the side effects are worse than the ailment and fail, the vaccinologist points out. To reach them, the government would have to roll out a major campaign. “We need examples that are appealing and that show that it is hip and cool to get vaccinated. That you protect parents and grandparents who may be vulnerable.”
Vaccination is also in their best interest, says virologist Ab Osterhaus. “That is very important in the information provision. The message could be: ‘Hey guys, if you participate you can go back to the pub!’ That will have to appeal to young people, because if we achieve a group immunity of at least 70 percent, everything will be much easier and many restrictions can eventually be removed. “
De Groot acknowledges that there are growing doubts about vaccination, which puts pressure on the self-evidence of getting an injection. That must be taken very seriously. People do not trust it. That is because there are also people within the medical department who express themselves critically about parts of the vaccination program. That is taken up by the public and young people. don’t get around it. “
Osterhaus fears that conspiracy theorists will use mild side effects of a vaccine to magnify them and that the willingness to vaccinate will decrease. “38 vaccines are now being tested in humans. There will really be one that has slightly more mild side effects. Therefore, a cost-benefit assessment is always made at admission. This applies to any vaccine. “Surprise yourself with the slightest side effect. That is my main concern. The ultimate goal is to return to normal society and vaccination is a very important weapon.”
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