The survey was conducted between 30 November and 5 December with the help of the National Laboratory (LNS) and officials from the ministry of health.

The country's national vaccination campaign was officially launched on Monday, with a total of 431 volunteer health care workers receiving the initial jab, as the ministry of health conveys. Science.lu has now published a non-representative study, in which it took a closer look at people's willingness to take the new Covid vaccine.

2,553 participants took part in the study, which reveals that around 55% of residents are strongly considering to be vaccinated. At the time of the poll, no official vaccine had yet been approved. 32% were strongly opposed to taking a vaccine, while 13% were undecided.

RTL

© screenshot science.lu

Our colleagues from RTL 5minutes recently conducted a comparable, non-representative study, in which 1,000 people participated and displayed similar results. 54% of people stated a willingness, while 36% were strongly opposed to be vaccinated.

With age comes wisdom?

The desire to be vaccinated is stronger with those who consider themselves well-informed and with those who are generally in support of vaccines, the science.lu survey reveals. The institute further notes that "while a majority of people think they know enough about vaccines, fewer stated having sufficient knowledge on this particular vaccine, and even fewer believe that potential risks and side-effects are well-communicated."

The survey also emphasises that people tend to take a certain amount of time before a general acceptance or refusal can develop. As of now, older people seem more willing to receive the vaccine: 48% among people aged 13-34, 57% among people aged 35-64, and 80% among people aged over 65.

Finally, men appear to be more acceptant of the vaccine than women, 60% compared to 51%.

Back of the field

The Grand Duchy's population overall seems less willing to be vaccinated than those in other countries. The survey draws a direct comparison to other nations, including Italy (78% in favour), and France (54% in favour).

Luxembourg moreover has the greatest percentage of people who are strongly opposed to the vaccine (22%).