Fact Check: People who distrust local institutions were less likely to vaccine against covid 19 than average

Fact Check: "People who distrust local institutions were less likely to vaccinate against COVID-19 than average"

What We Know

Research has consistently shown that mistrust in public health institutions (PHIs) is a significant predictor of vaccine hesitancy and lower vaccination rates. A study conducted by Choi and Fox revealed that individuals who expressed mistrust in PHIs had a vaccination rate of only 49%, compared to higher rates among those who trusted these institutions (source-1). The study analyzed data from 5,446 U.S. adults and concluded that mistrust in public health institutions was a stronger predictor of vaccine hesitancy than trust in political figures, such as former President Trump.

Additionally, a global analysis involving survey data from 113 countries confirmed that trust in government is a strong predictor of vaccine hesitancy. This analysis indicated that when trust measures were disaggregated, the most robust effects related specifically to trust in health institutions (source-2).

Analysis

The evidence supporting the claim that people who distrust local institutions are less likely to vaccinate against COVID-19 is compelling. The study by Choi and Fox specifically highlights a correlation between mistrust in PHIs and vaccine hesitancy, indicating that individuals with such mistrust are significantly less likely to get vaccinated (source-1).

Furthermore, the global analysis corroborates these findings by showing that trust in health institutions is a critical factor influencing vaccine acceptance across various countries (source-2). This suggests that the relationship between institutional trust and vaccine uptake is not merely anecdotal but is supported by substantial empirical data.

While some studies have reported mixed results regarding the role of political and institutional trust in vaccine hesitancy, the overarching trend indicates that distrust in health institutions leads to lower vaccination rates (source-4). This is further supported by findings that highlight a historical context of negative experiences with the healthcare system, which can exacerbate mistrust and skepticism towards vaccines (source-6).

In evaluating the reliability of the sources, the studies referenced are published in reputable journals and are based on extensive survey data, enhancing their credibility. The findings are consistent across different contexts, reinforcing the assertion that institutional trust is a pivotal factor in vaccine acceptance.

Conclusion

Verdict: True
The claim that people who distrust local institutions were less likely to vaccinate against COVID-19 than average is substantiated by multiple studies. The evidence indicates a clear link between mistrust in public health institutions and vaccine hesitancy, with significant implications for public health strategies aimed at increasing vaccination rates.

Sources

1. Mistrust in public health institutions is a stronger predictor of vaccine hesitancy and uptake than Trust in Trump. Link
2. Trust and vaccine hesitancy during the COVID-19 pandemic: A cross-national analysis. Link
3. New data underscore rise in CDC mistrust during pandemic. Link
4. Study finds vaccine hesitancy rooted in institutional mistrust. Link
5. Conspiracism and government distrust predict COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy. Link
6. Discourses of Distrust: How Lack of Trust in the U.S. Health Care System Contributes to Vaccine Hesitancy. Link
7. Trust is the common denominator for COVID-19 vaccine acceptance. Link
8. Marginalisation and distrust in the context of the COVID-19 vaccination programme. Link