The survey results indicate that individuals’ trust in science is a strong indicator of their preference for vaccination. Nearly three-quarters of respondents report they have high trust in science.
However, some 13% of respondents say they are not willing to get the Covid-19 vaccine, while 5% are neutral on the issue.
The survey was carried out by STATEC in collaboration with OECD, and covers the period May to June 2021. The study is designed to measure trust in others and national institutions as part of the ‘TrustLab’ project.
The findings indicate levels of trust for science and scientists in Luxembourg are similar to those observed elsewhere in western Europe and in the US. More than two thirds of respondents said they highly trust the work of scientists.
Among other findings, the study also found that the vast majority accept mask wearing - with 72% saying they always used a face mask in public. Just 1.7% declared they never wear a mask in public.
Those with the highest trust in science were both more likely to be willing to get a vaccine and to wear a mask.
Perhaps surprisingly, the survey found that younger and older people were more willing to use a face mask than middle-aged respondents. However, older people were by far the most willing to get a vaccine.
The studies author’s conclude that trust in science is fundamental to the fight against Covid-19. STATEC plan to publish more detailed analysis on the TrustLab data in the coming months.
