Survey Reveals Political Views Influence Vaccination Rates in Israel
2 min read
Currently, the State of Israel is making extensive efforts to keep up with the fast vaccinations rate all over the nation. In addition, new data is being published, which could help in understanding the reasons behind citizens ‘ not placing their faith in vaccines. These Israelis belong to different political blocs and many of them have not received the vaccine yet.
A new poll was conducted by the Midgam Polling Institute in Israel, which found that as many as half of the voters who refer to themselves as center-left have already been inoculated both times. Similarly, 43% of the citizens who believe themselves to be right-wing, have also received both doses of the vaccine.
Moreover, the poll required the respondents, who have not been given a single dose of the vaccine, to explain whether or not they plan on getting vaccinated in the future.
After taking the results into account, it was concluded that 28% of voters who deem themselves to be center-left, as well as 27% who define themselves as right-wing, stated that they are planning on receiving the vaccination soon.
However, 44% of right-wing and 38% of center-left respondents are apprehensive about the potential side effects of the vaccine. On the same note, 32% of center-left revealed that they are not sure about how effective the vaccine is. 28% of right-wing are also uncertain about the efficacy of the vaccine.
The government also recently announced that it will allow only those with ‘green passports’ to enter gyms and attend cultural events. Soon after this, 31% of the respondents of this poll said that are now more likely to take the vaccine. However, 46% of the citizens are still unconvinced.
The survey concluded that the split between the right-wing and center-left shows that the former is more confident regarding the stances they have taken, whether in support of or against the vaccine. Where right-wing are concerned, 12% stated that they would definitely get the vaccine administered, 21% believe that they are likely to get vaccinated, whereas 19% said that they do not think they will be receiving the vaccine at all. 31% were quite firm in asserting that they are definitely not going to get vaccinated at all.
However, the center-left have been comparatively less indecisive in such matters. 7% were clear on wanting to get vaccinated, while 22% said that they are likely to receive it. On the other hand, 17% were sure that they will not be making an appointment for the vaccine, but 26% believed that they would not be getting vaccinated.
Though the differences between the left and right may not seem very significant, the most prominent split is amongst the ethnic and religious groups in the country. Arabic and ultra-Orthodox centers are on one side, whereas the conservative and secular Jewish population centers are on the other.
As per the data published by the Health Ministry, the Haredi-majority city, Bnei Brak, has had the largest outbreak of the coronavirus in the country. As of now, the community has only vaccinated only 10% of its people with the second dose.
