COVID: Why are so many people against vaccination?

The number of people who are against getting a COVID-19 vaccine seems to be going up, even as ever more people get vaccinated. What do they base their arguments on?

"No, no photos and no names, please! I'd rather not be labeled as some crazy conspiracy theorist. I just don't want the vaccine!"

Fair enough, I think. So let's call them ... Richard and Susanne.

I meet the pair in a park on the outskirts of Cologne. Richard works in the packaging industry, and Susanne works in administration at a hospital. Both are in their 50s, so they're among the higher-risk groups for COVID-19.

We agree to meet because I would like to understand why they are against getting vaccinated. I, myself, have recovered from a COVID-19 infection, andam vaccinated.

I've written a lot about the virus and its vaccines. And I've been wondering: Why do some people not want to get vaccinated? What are their concerns? Where do they get their information, and how do they argue their case?

Doubters on the rise

"I feel that a vaccine is a huge intervention in my body. Everyone should make this decision for themselves. And just because you don't get vaccinated, it doesn't mean you're irresponsible or tired of life," says Richard, while Susanne nods in agreement.

This couple is not alone. Although in Germany nearly half of the population (45%) is fully vaccinated and more than half (59%) has received at least a first dose as of July 15, the rate of