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Herding and the intention to vaccinate against COVID-19

Author

Listed:
  • Epstein, Gil S.
  • Heizler, Odelia
  • Israeli, Osnat

Abstract

This paper investigates the effect of herd behavior, or information cascades, on the willingness to be vaccinated against COVID-19. We use the 2021/2022 wave of the European Social Survey combined with data from the organization Our World in Data and measure the herding behavior as the change in the share of vaccinated people in the population just prior to the individual's decision. Controlling for sociodemographic characteristics, health status, COVID- 19 illness history, and pandemic-related features, the results show that the information cascade significantly increases vaccination intentions. This suggests that the decision on whether to vaccinate is affected by the behavior of others. Moreover, we find a U-shaped association between the herd effect and the share of the population that is vaccinated. Finally, the herd effect on the vaccination decisions of young people, people in poor health, and immigrants is higher than for others.

Suggested Citation

  • Epstein, Gil S. & Heizler, Odelia & Israeli, Osnat, 2025. "Herding and the intention to vaccinate against COVID-19," GLO Discussion Paper Series 1578, Global Labor Organization (GLO).
    • Handle: RePEc:zbw:glodps:1578
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    File URL: https://www.econstor.eu/bitstream/10419/313421/1/GLO-DP-1578.pdf
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    More about this item

    Keywords

    Herd Behavior; COVID-19; Vaccination; European Social Survey; Information Cascades;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • I12 - Health, Education, and Welfare - - Health - - - Health Behavior
    • D91 - Microeconomics - - Micro-Based Behavioral Economics - - - Role and Effects of Psychological, Emotional, Social, and Cognitive Factors on Decision Making

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