The Anti-vaccination Movement in Greece

Various forms of reaction to compulsory measures taken by the Greek government during the COVID-19 pandemic, represent a complex interplay of socio-cultural, political, and emotional dynamics. We examine these forms of reaction –our “anti-vaccination movement”– ranging from vaccine hesitancy to vaccine rejection and opposition to lockdowns, through a multi-layered approach, which includes social media analysis, interviews, and a nation-wide survey. Findings indicate that resistance to obligatory measures stems from deep-seated mistrust in institutions, skepticism of government measures, and concerns over personal freedoms. Structural predispositions of the Greek political culture, such as clientelism, fragmented social trust, and egotistic cultural tendencies further exacerbated opposition. While most Greeks ultimately adhered to vaccination campaigns, the underlying resistance reflects broader societal challenges, including polarization, misinformation, and a crisis of trust. Addressing these issues requires tailored communication strategies, enhanced institutional transparency, and long-term efforts to rebuild collective solidarity and civic engagement.