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The effect of altruism on COVID-19 vaccination rates

Author

Listed:
  • Luis Á. Hierro

    (University of Sevilla)

  • David Patiño

    (University of Sevilla)

  • Pedro Atienza

    (University of Sevilla)

  • Antonio J. Garzón

    (University of Sevilla)

  • David Cantarero

    (Universidad de Cantabria, Research Group on Health Economics and Health Services Management—Marqués de Valdecilla Research Institute (IDIVAL))

Abstract

Background After the emergence of the first vaccines against the COVID-19, public health authorities have promoted mass vaccination in order to achieve herd immunity and reduce the effects of the disease. Vaccination rates have differed between countries, depending on supply (availability of resources) and demand (altruism and resistance to vaccination) factors. Methods This work considers the hypothesis that individuals’ health altruism has been an important factor to explain the different levels of vaccination between countries, using the number of transplants as a proxy for altruism. Taking European Union’s countries to remove, as far as possible, supply factors that might affect vaccination, we carry out cross-sectional regressions for the most favorable date of the vaccination process (maximum vaccination speed) and for each month during the vaccination campaign. Results Our findings confirm that altruism has affected vaccination rates against the COVID-19. We find a direct relationship between transplants rates (proxy variable) and vaccination rates during periods in which the decision to be vaccinated depended on the individual’s choice, without supply restrictions. The results show that other demand factors have worked against vaccination: political polarization and belonging to the group of countries of the former Eastern bloc. Conclusions Altruism is a useful tool to define future vaccination strategies, since it favors the individuals’ awareness for vaccination.

Suggested Citation

  • Luis Á. Hierro & David Patiño & Pedro Atienza & Antonio J. Garzón & David Cantarero, 2023. "The effect of altruism on COVID-19 vaccination rates," Health Economics Review, Springer, vol. 13(1), pages 1-12, December.
    • Handle: RePEc:spr:hecrev:v:13:y:2023:i:1:d:10.1186_s13561-022-00415-6
    DOI: 10.1186/s13561-022-00415-6
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Kirsten Cornelson & Boriana Miloucheva, 2020. "Political polarization, social fragmentation, and cooperation during a pandemic," Working Papers tecipa-663, University of Toronto, Department of Economics.
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