Higher Income and Younger Age... Britons Say "Will Split If Unvaccinated by Summer"

[Image source=Reuters Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Cho Hyun-ui] One in five unvaccinated Britons said, "If I cannot get vaccinated before this summer vacation, I will feel resentful toward those who have been vaccinated at least once."

As the UK plans to allow overseas travel again ahead of the holiday season, concerns have been raised that conflicts may arise between those who have been vaccinated at least once and the unvaccinated due to the introduction of vaccine passports.

According to a survey released on the 30th of last month (local time) by the UK National Institute for Health Research (NIHR), the University of Bristol, and King's College London, 18% of unvaccinated respondents answered this way. However, the majority (58%) said they would not feel resentful.

Among the unvaccinated, those with higher incomes and younger ages were more likely to feel resentment toward vaccinated individuals.

Among respondents from households with an annual income of ?55,000 (approximately 85 million KRW) or more, 24% said, "I would feel unfair if I cannot get vaccinated before the vacation." Only 14% of respondents with an annual income between ?20,000 (approximately 30.87 million KRW) and ?34,999 (approximately 54.03 million KRW) gave the same answer.

While most countries, including the UK, have prioritized vaccinating the elderly, 20% of younger people said they would feel resentful toward vaccinated individuals if they remain unvaccinated before summer. In contrast, only 8% of those aged 45 and older gave the same response.

Bobby Duffy of the King's College London Policy Institute said, "Many people are targeting the summer holiday season as the goal for vaccination," adding, "If vaccinated people can travel but unvaccinated people cannot, the fairness and trustworthiness of the vaccine passport system must be enhanced."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.