On behalf of the COSMO consortium, we regularly conduct the data collection for the COVID-19 Snapshot Monitoring (COSMO). This study examines how the public perceives the situation regarding the coronavirus. The results are regularly published on the website www.corona-monitor.de (in German).

What is the public’s perception of the risk posed by coronavirus? How does the public’s behaviour evolve over time, for example with regard to the various prevention measures?

From July to September 2021, we surveyed in the waves 48-51 of the study a nationally representative sample, of our online panel, on behalf of the Robert Koch Institute (RKI) and the Federal Centre for Health Education (BZgA), among others.

Since July, 60% of the respondents expect an increasing number of Corona cases. Nevertheless, the perceived risk is not increasing and protective behaviours are trending downwards. Paradoxically, unvaccinated people have a lower risk perception than vaccinated people. The most relevant factors for the willingness to be vaccinated are confidence in the safety of vaccination and the perception of one’s own benefits and the benefits for the whole society. Regarding these factors, certain socio-demographic characteristics show up with above-average frequency. Campaigns to educate people about vaccination should therefore be aimed in particular at East Germans, women (especially after the STIKO recommendation for pregnant women that has now been made), low educated people, people with a migration background, people with children and people who do not know anyone who has had COVID-19. For 18% of the unvaccinated with low vaccination readiness, not vaccinating is a way of expressing their dissatisfaction with the government.

The detailed results of this study can be found on the corresponding website of the University of Erfurt, including further focal points on the 2G and 3G access requirements, on the willingness to vaccinate children and on protective measures at school.