Vaccinating across the aisle: using co-partisan source cues to encourage COVID-19 vaccine uptake in the ideological right

In this study, we investigate the effectiveness of messages from co-partisan sources in reducing vaccine hesitancy. In a large (N  = 3000) and demographically representative survey, we find that exposing “Middle-of-the-Road” partisans to pro-vaccine messages from co-partisan source cues reduces vaccine hesitancy. However, for those who identify as “Strong” or “Weak” partisans, we find no statistically significa nt differences in vaccination intentions when exposed to pro-vaccine messages from co-partisan sources. We conclude by discussing how our findings are helpful for vaccine communication efforts.
Source: Journal of Behavioral Medicine - Category: Psychiatry Source Type: research