Survey shows eagerness to get two Covid-19 jabs as universities restart campus education
More than 80 per cent of a sample of 40,000 students in Berlin have received two doses of the Covid-19 vaccine, according to a survey.
The State Conference of Rectors and Presidents of Berlin Universities (LKRP), which undertook the survey, said the sample may not be entirely representative. However, it suggests that around three-quarters of the city’s 200,000 strong student population are fully vaccinated, the group said.
The survey also sought students’ views on receiving further jabs on campus, as part of a Germany-wide scheme to offer the Covid-19 vaccine to all students. Out of the fully vaccinated, 71 per cent said they would be open to an additional vaccination offer, while 58 per cent of those who have had one dose so far said they would accept a vaccination appointment on campus.
However, of those who are still unvaccinated, only 16 per cent said they would be interested in getting jabbed at university. Germany has a high rate of so-called anti-vaxxers; ie, people who refuse to get the Covid-19 vaccination.
The LKRP said that the results were a good basis to further expand on-campus teaching in the upcoming winter semester, with more lectures to place in attendance. On the other hand, there are quite a few students who have not yet been vaccinated and—despite existing offers—apparently do not plan to do so, the group warned.
The LKRP also said that its member institutions are committed to bringing students back onto campus and preparing further vaccination offers from on-site doctors before the start of the term. As many students as possible should be able to safely attend academic events, lectures and laboratory sessions in the winter semester, the group said.