scholarly journals Overcoming COVID-19 vaccination resistance when alternative policies affect the dynamics of conformism, social norms, and crowding out

2021 ◽  
Vol 118 (25) ◽  
pp. e2104912118
Author(s):  
Katrin Schmelz ◽  
Samuel Bowles
Keyword(s):  
Herd Immunity ◽  
Crowding Out ◽  
Individual Freedom ◽  
Panel Survey ◽  
Vaccination Policy ◽  
Vaccine Acceptance ◽  
Policy Makers ◽  
Large Panel ◽  
Negative Effect ◽  
Broad Policy

What is an effective vaccination policy to end the COVID-19 pandemic? We address this question in a model of the dynamics of policy effectiveness drawing upon the results of a large panel survey implemented in Germany during the first and second waves of the pandemic. We observe increased opposition to vaccinations were they to be legally required. In contrast, for voluntary vaccinations, there was higher and undiminished support. We find that public distrust undermines vaccine acceptance, and is associated with a belief that the vaccine is ineffective and, if enforced, compromises individual freedom. We model how the willingness to be vaccinated may vary over time in response to the fraction of the population already vaccinated and whether vaccination has occurred voluntarily or not. A negative effect of enforcement on vaccine acceptance (of the magnitude observed in our panel or even considerably smaller) could result in a large increase in the numbers that would have to be vaccinated unwillingly in order to reach a herd-immunity target. Costly errors may be avoided if policy makers understand that citizens’ preferences are not fixed but will be affected both by the crowding-out effect of enforcement and by conformism. Our findings have broad policy applicability beyond COVID-19 to cases in which voluntary citizen compliance is essential because state capacities are limited and because effectiveness may depend on the ways that the policies themselves alter citizens’ beliefs and preferences.

scholarly journals Addressing COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy: Lessons from the role of community participation in previous vaccination programs

2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (4) ◽  
pp. 434-437
Author(s):  
Aanuoluwapo Adeyimika Afolabi ◽  
Olayinka Stephen Ilesanmi
Keyword(s):  
Community Participation ◽  
Critical Role ◽  
Herd Immunity ◽  
Vaccine Hesitancy ◽  
Vaccine Acceptance ◽  
Community Culture ◽  
Policy Makers ◽  
Vaccination Programs ◽  
Community Assets

The acceptance of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) vaccine has been described as a gateway to attaining herd immunity against severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). The critical role of community participation (CP) has been successfully demonstrated in previous vaccination programs globally. This perspective therefore aimed to describe how CP could be used to promote COVID-19 vaccination acceptance. To promote COVID-19 vaccine acceptance, it is required that a mapping of community assets, resources, civil-based organizations, and stakeholders is done to gain insight into the community culture and value in relation to COVID-19 vaccine. This will help to address the misconceptions while prompting COVID-19 vaccination sensitization activities that are relevant to each community. It is required that policy makers understand that the adoption of a comprehensive grassroots approach lends a voice to the community and helps to utilize community-initiated and community-driven ideas on promoting COVID-19 vaccine acceptance.

scholarly journals The Role of Risk Preferences in Responses to Messaging About COVID-19 Vaccine Take-Up

2021 ◽  
pp. 194855062199962
Author(s):  
Jennifer S. Trueblood ◽  
Abigail B. Sussman ◽  
Daniel O’Leary
Keyword(s):  
Large Scale ◽  
Risk Preferences ◽  
Herd Immunity ◽  
Disease Spread ◽  
Short Term ◽  
Policy Makers ◽  
Health Crisis ◽  
Flu Vaccine ◽  
Nationally Representative

Development of an effective COVID-19 vaccine is widely considered as one of the best paths to ending the current health crisis. While the ability to distribute a vaccine in the short-term remains uncertain, the availability of a vaccine alone will not be sufficient to stop disease spread. Instead, policy makers will need to overcome the additional hurdle of rapid widespread adoption. In a large-scale nationally representative survey ( N = 34,200), the current work identifies monetary risk preferences as a correlate of take-up of an anticipated COVID-19 vaccine. A complementary experiment ( N = 1,003) leverages this insight to create effective messaging encouraging vaccine take-up. Individual differences in risk preferences moderate responses to messaging that provides benchmarks for vaccine efficacy (by comparing it to the flu vaccine), while messaging that describes pro-social benefits of vaccination (specifically herd immunity) speeds vaccine take-up irrespective of risk preferences. Findings suggest that policy makers should consider risk preferences when targeting vaccine-related communications.

scholarly journals Public acceptance of COVID-19 vaccines: cross-national evidence on levels and individual-level predictors using observational data

BMJ Open ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (6) ◽  
pp. e048172
Author(s):  
Marie Fly Lindholt ◽  
Frederik Jørgensen ◽  
Alexander Bor ◽  
Michael Bang Petersen
Keyword(s):  
Health Communication ◽  
Herd Immunity ◽  
Geographical Location ◽  
Vaccine Acceptance ◽  
Total N ◽  
Individual Level ◽  
Health Authorities ◽  
Personal Consequences ◽  
Western Democracies

ObjectivesThe management of the COVID-19 pandemic hinges on the approval of safe and effective vaccines but, equally importantly, on high vaccine acceptance among people. To facilitate vaccine acceptance via effective health communication, it is key to understand levels of vaccine scepticism and the demographic, psychological and political predictors. To this end, we examine the levels and predictors of acceptance of an approved COVID-19 vaccine.Design, setting and participantsWe examine the levels and predictors of acceptance of an approved COVID-19 vaccine in large online surveys from eight Western democracies that differ in terms of the severity of the pandemic and their response: Denmark, France, Germany, Hungary, Sweden, Italy, UK and USA (total N=18 231). Survey respondents were quota sampled to match the population margins on age, gender and geographical location for each country. The study was conducted from September 2020 to February 2021, allowing us to assess changes in acceptance and predictors as COVID-19 vaccine programmes were rolled out.Outcome measureThe outcome of the study is self-reported acceptance of a COVID-19 vaccine approved and recommended by health authorities.ResultsThe data reveal large variations in vaccine acceptance that ranges from 83% in Denmark to 47% in France and Hungary. Lack of vaccine acceptance is associated with lack of trust in authorities and scientists, conspiratorial thinking and a lack of concern about COVID-19.ConclusionMost national levels of vaccine acceptance fall below estimates of the required threshold for herd immunity. The results emphasise the long-term importance of building trust in preparations for health emergencies such as the current pandemic. For health communication, the results emphasise the importance of focusing on personal consequences of infections and debunking of myths to guide communication strategies.

scholarly journals Prevalence of mumps antibodies in the Israeli population in relation to mumps vaccination policy and incidence of disease

2007 ◽  
Vol 136 (5) ◽  
pp. 688-693 ◽  
Author(s):  
Kh. MUHSEN ◽  
Y. ABOUDY ◽  
E. MENDELSON ◽  
M. S. GREEN ◽  
D. COHEN
Keyword(s):  
High School Students ◽  
Herd Immunity ◽  
Population Sample ◽  
Vaccination Policy ◽  
Birth Cohorts ◽  
Mmr Vaccine ◽  
School Students ◽  
Military Recruits ◽  
Israeli Population ◽  
Mumps Antibodies

SUMMARYWe examined the prevalence of mumps antibodies in the Israeli population in relation to mumps vaccination policy and past and subsequent incidence of disease. The levels of specific IgG antibodies against mumps were tested in 3330 residual sera collected during 1997–1998 from an age-stratified population sample. Against the background of a consistent MMR vaccination coverage of >90%, the age- and sex-adjusted seropositivity to mumps was 77·0%. No significant differences between genders were found. Seropositivity in the 10–13 years age group, born just before the introduction of the MMR vaccine, was the lowest (59%). These birth cohorts were the target of an outbreak of mumps in 2005 that occurred among high-school students and military recruits. A trend of waning immunity was observed between the first and second vaccine doses. The seroepidemiological data demonstrate that immunity levels below the herd immunity threshold, along with social mixing and crowded conditions facilitated the occurrence of mumps outbreaks. Periodical serosurveys are an essential component in the evaluation of the vaccination policy against mumps.

scholarly journals Determinants of COVID-19 Vaccine Acceptance in Ghana

2022 ◽  
Vol 12 (1) ◽  
pp. 175-187
Author(s):  
Sumani Abdul-Manan ◽  
Alhassan Iddrisu Abdullai ◽  
Buhari Gunu Yussif
Keyword(s):  
Rural Areas ◽  
Sampling Technique ◽  
P Value ◽  
Snowball Sampling ◽  
Cross Sectional Survey ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Vaccine Acceptance ◽  
Vaccine Preventable Diseases ◽  
Negative Effect ◽  
Social Media Platforms

Background: A proven strategy for saving lives from vaccine-preventable diseases is the timely vaccination of the people. In Ghana, there is considerable hesitation about the Covid-19 vaccines due to anxieties and uncertainties about their safety. With varying perceptions and believes being developed about Covid-19 vaccines, there is a likely negative effect on vaccine acceptance or otherwise. This study aims to ascertain the levels of acceptance of potential Covid-19 vaccine among Ghanaian adults, to identify predictors of vaccine acceptance or hesitance. Methodology: A web based cross-sectional survey conducted among Ghanaians above 18 years, conducted between the month of February and March, 2021. Data were collected by administering online google forms (Questionnaire). The questionnaire was shared through social media platforms. A snowball sampling technique was used where researchers shared google forms to close friends and family. Analyses were conducted at p-value <0.05 using descriptive statistics, cross-tabula­tions and logistic regression. Results: A total of 350 responses were achieved by end of data collection. Out of these, only 348 were considered for analysis based on the inclusion and exclusion criteria. Majority of the respondents (65.2%) were male, a third (30%) of them live in rural areas and about 57.5% were married. Factors such as age, educational level, prior vaccine acceptance history, personal vulnerability and self-feeling of health were significantly associated with covid-19 vaccine acceptance. Conclusion: The results depict low acceptance rate for potential covid-19 vaccine among Ghanaians. Government and MoH should engage the media on its role in combating misinformation with regards the Covid-19 vaccine. Key words: coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19), vaccine, hesitance, acceptance.

scholarly journals Relief After COVID-19 Vaccination: A Doubtful or Evident Outcome?

2022 ◽  
Vol 8 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mohammed Khaled Al-Hanawi ◽  
Noor Alshareef ◽  
Rehab H. El-Sokkary
Keyword(s):  
Herd Immunity ◽  
Public Confidence ◽  
Multivariable Logistic Regression Analysis ◽  
Severe Reaction ◽  
Vaccination Policy ◽  
Cross Sectional Survey ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Post Vaccination ◽  
Related Information ◽  
Mandatory Vaccination

Background: Since development of the first COVID-19 vaccine, the landscape of public confidence in these vaccines is uncertain. Building confidence is crucial for better preparedness of future pandemics. Following the mandatory COVID-19 vaccination policy in the country, the aim of this study was to examine whether the Saudi public feels relieved post-vaccination and to identify the factors predicting such relief.Methods: An online cross-sectional survey was conducted in July 2021 among COVID-19 vaccine recipients in Saudi Arabia. A multivariable logistic regression analysis was employed to examine and identify the variables associated with feeling relieved post-vaccination.Results: Most of the respondents (66%) stated feeling more relieved post-vaccination. Male gender [adjusted odds ratio (AOR): 1.380; 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.981–1.943], being a student (AOR: 3.902; 95% CI: 1.674–9.096), and received two doses of the vaccine (AOR: 2.278; 95% CI: 1.630–3.182) were associated with feeling more relieved after getting vaccinated. Respondents who were anxious about the vaccine before receiving it (AOR: 0.220; 95% CI: 0.160–0.302), and experienced a severe reaction after vaccination (AOR: 0.288; 95% CI: 0.165–0.504) had lower odds of feeling relieved post-vaccination. Respondents who relied on social media as the main source of vaccine-related information and those having no information about the vaccine were also less likely to feel relieved post-vaccination.Conclusions: Individuals' attitudes toward COVID-19 vaccines may not necessarily alter post-vaccination. Although mandatory vaccination policies can significantly contribute to achieving herd immunity, public confidence toward vaccines might be eroded, which could in turn impose significant challenges in future pandemics efforts.

How does bank liquidity creation affect non-performing loans in the MENA region?

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Anas Alaoui Mdaghri
Keyword(s):  
Generalized Method Of Moments ◽  
Balance Sheet ◽  
Policy Implications ◽  
Mena Region ◽  
Policy Makers ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Mena Countries ◽  
Negative Effect ◽  
Short And Long Term ◽  
Conventional Banks

PurposeThe study aims to empirically examine the effect of bank liquidity creation on non-performing loans (NPLs) in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region.Design/methodology/approachBerger and Bouwman's (2009) three-step methodology was employed to calculate the level of liquidity creation of a selected sample of 111 commercial banks in ten MENA countries from 2010–2017. Next, the two-step system generalized method of moments (GMM) estimator was used to investigate the linkage between bank liquidity creation and NPLs.FindingsThe results demonstrated a significant negative effect of bank liquidity creation on NPLs in the short and long term, implying that liquidity creation through both on- and off-balance sheet activities decreases NPLs. These findings accord with the “economic-enhancing” view. Furthermore, regression analysis investigated whether this relationship remained similar for Islamic and conventional banks. The results showed that liquidity creation diminishes Islamic and conventional bank NPLs.Research limitations/implicationsThe empirical findings raise several significant policy implications. Bank liquidity creation may decrease rather than increase NPLs, although the process of liquidity creation is viewed as risky by rendering banks more illiquid. Therefore, policy-makers should encourage bank liquidity creation to stimulate the economy. In a robust economy, borrowers are more likely to repay their debts, consequently diminishing banks' NPLs.Originality/valueTo the best of the author's knowledge, the current study is the first to provide empirical evidence on the effect of bank liquidity creation on NPLs in MENA countries.

scholarly journals Older People’s Nonphysical Contacts and Depression During the COVID-19 Lockdown

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Bruno Arpino ◽  
Marta Pasqualini ◽  
Valeria Bordone ◽  
Aïda Solé-Auró
Keyword(s):  
Intergenerational Relationships ◽  
Panel Survey ◽  
Social Contacts ◽  
Policy Makers ◽  
Logistic Regression Models ◽  
Slowing Down ◽  
Social Closeness ◽  
Depressive Feelings ◽  
Quota Sampling ◽  
Design And Methods

Abstract Background and Objectives With the goal of slowing down the spread of the SARS-CoV-2 virus, restrictions to physical contacts have been taken in many countries. We examine to what extent intergenerational and other types of nonphysical contacts have reduced the risk of increased perceived depressive feelings during the lockdown for people aged 50+. Research Design and Methods We implemented an online panel survey based on quota sampling in France, Italy, and Spain in April 2020, about 1 month after the start of the lockdown. Our analyses are based on logistic regression models and use post-stratification weights. Results About 50% of individuals aged 50+ felt sad or depressed more often than usual during the lockdown in the 3 considered countries. Older people who increased or maintained unchanged nonphysical contacts with noncoresident individuals during the lockdown were at a lower risk of increased perceived depressive feelings compared to those who experienced a reduction in nonphysical contacts. The beneficial effect of nonphysical contacts was stronger for intergenerational relationships. The effects were similar by gender and stronger among individuals aged 70+, living in Spain and not living alone before the start of the lockdown. Discussion and Implications In the next phases of the COVID-19 pandemic, or during any future similar pandemic, policy makers may implement measures that balance the need to reduce the spread of the virus with the necessity of allowing for limited physical contacts. Social contacts at a distance may be encouraged as a means to keep social closeness, while being physically distant.

Blockholder Heterogeneity, Multiple Blocks, and the Dance between Blockholders

2019 ◽  
Vol 32 (11) ◽  
pp. 4196-4227 ◽  
Author(s):  
Charles J Hadlock ◽  
Miriam Schwartz-Ziv
Keyword(s):  
Investment Decisions ◽  
Crowding Out ◽  
Large Panel ◽  
Editorial Decision ◽  
Investment Styles ◽  
Substantial Heterogeneity

Abstract We study blockholder presence in a large panel and document substantial heterogeneity in holding periods, position sizes, and positions taken across blockholder types. Nonfinancial blocks are more likely to be observed in smaller, riskier, younger, and less-liquid firms. These patterns are either not evident or reversed for financial blocks. For all but small financial blocks, we detect significant negative interdependence in blockholder investment decisions, with the presence of one blockholder crowding out others, a behavior that appears causal. Small financial blocks often coexist in the same firm, an outcome that appears to reflect correlated investment styles. Received April 30, 2018; editorial decision November 23, 2018 by Editor David Denis.

Does government ownership affect corporate governance and corporate disclosure?

2016 ◽  
Vol 31 (8/9) ◽  
pp. 871-890 ◽  
Author(s):  
Yaseen Al-Janadi ◽  
Rashidah Abdul Rahman ◽  
Abdulsamad Alazzani
Keyword(s):  
Corporate Governance ◽  
Best Practices ◽  
Voluntary Disclosure ◽  
Audit Quality ◽  
Government Ownership ◽  
Policy Makers ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Quality Disclosure ◽  
Negative Effect ◽  
Negative Role

Purpose This paper aims to examine the moderating effect of government ownership (GO) on the association between corporate governance (CG) and voluntary disclosure (VD). Design/methodology/approach This study used multivariate analysis to examine the moderating variable. Findings GO has a moderating negative effect on the association between CG factors [e.g. board size, non-executive directors (NEDs)] and VD, which indicates that GO plays a negative role in the effectiveness of CG. The study also found that audit quality is not affected by the influence of GO, indicating that companies without GO are better than companies with GO in terms of applying the best practices of CG to provide sufficient and high-quality disclosure. Originality/value This study has important implications for governments to be more effective in implementing the best practices of CG. Additionally, the findings could have implications for authority regulators, policy makers and shareholders to require effective implications for CG to reduce the effects of GO the implementation of best CG practices and the disclosure of quality information.

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