Just under 75% of Icelanders are in favour of vaccinating children aged 5-11 against COVID-19, according to the results of a newly-published survey from Maskína. Only 11% were opposed to vaccinating that age group. Icelandic health authorities began offering vaccination to 5 to 11-year-olds in January and 45% have already received their first dose.
The nearly 75% of respondents that were in favour of vaccinating the age group split into two camps: those who were “very much in favour” made up 49.3% of the total respondents, while those who were “rather in favour” made up 25%, for a total of 74.3%. Older respondents were more likely to be in favour of vaccination of children 5-11. In the oldest group (60+), 86% were in favour of vaccinating the demographic, while only 62% of those in the youngest group (18-29 years) were in favour of vaccinating 5 to 11-year-olds.
Categorising the responses by political affiliation revealed that supporters of the Left-Green Movement, Pirate Party, Social-Democratic Alliance, and the Socialist Party were most in favour of vaccinations for children 5-11. The survey took place between January 6 and 17 had 902 respondents from across the country.
Vaccination is optional and free for all age groups in Iceland. In the case of children, both parents or guardians must approve vaccination for their child. Only the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine has been approved for use in those 15 years of age and younger in Iceland.
Of Iceland’s total population, 78% are fully vaccinated, and 52.3% have received a booster dose.
