Result Statement: Doubts about the flu shot | What you say

The first group includes participants who reject the vaccine for various reasons: for example because they do not trust ‘the government’ or think that the vaccines contain poison, chips or heavy metals. Others don’t really believe in the effect of the flu shot.

Every year six million Dutch people receive an invitation to be vaccinated against flu. The vaccine does not always prevent someone from getting the flu, but it can alleviate symptoms and make a difference between life and death. Just over half of the respondents think influenza is a disease that can be dangerous. One reaction: “You can end up in hospital with the flu. You shouldn’t want that at all. ”

Most voters call the flu vaccine ‘safe’. One respondent: “Why every time a discussion about the flu vaccine. Leave it to the experts to judge. If it weren’t safe, we wouldn’t have it. ” Someone else thinks the flu vaccine offers a false sense of security. “It is always a matter of guessing which mutation of the flu virus is now circulating. And every time they gamble wrong. ”

The proposition participants are also not unanimous about whether the need to get vaccinated has become greater than ever because of the corona virus. A good majority does think that more people than ever will get vaccinated.

This is not in line with the picture among survey participants. Most voters say they are not going to get the shot, despite being invited. “Getting that shot is a dangerous exercise. My doctor takes 45 minutes for it and you have to queue. I will not support that. Will I soon be protected against the flu, but will I get corona. “

The Netherlands has purchased 2.8 million doses for the six million candidates. A majority fear a shortage of vaccinations. Should it come to that, a respondent would prefer ‘regular customers’. “It would be fair to give priority to everyone who responded to the call in previous years.” Someone else is going for the first time. “I’ve never gotten a flu shot because I’m never sick. But this year I prefer to be safe than sorry. ”

Most think that the risk of catching the flu is reduced by the corona rules such as keeping your distance and wearing mouth masks. But hardly anyone thinks that the flu vaccine helps against corona. “Because of the measures I have not yet had a cold,” says someone. “For me, that kissing and hugging may not continue for a while.”

Whether the massive vaccination of Dutch people against influenza will help to relieve the burden of care is doubted by half of the respondents. The other half thinks that healthcare will be less busy thanks to the flu shots. “The fewer complications, the less pressure on care.” Someone else: “The fewer people have flu symptoms and think it could be corona, the fewer people will need to be tested.”

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