Not Knowing

"Now, do what I do, and say what I say."
--John Winger (Stripes)

How much vaccination uptake has resulted from people imitating others in the midst of uncertainty? Institution theory posits that uncertainty exerts mimetic pressure to copy the behavior of others.

In this case, uncertainty could amount to more than not knowing about the potential effects of CV19 on one's health. It could also be driven by regulatory uncertainty--not knowing the shape of policy rules related to CV19 in the future, nor the impact of those rules on everyday life (e.g., will I still have a job if I don't vax?).

We know that desire for stability can be a strong behavioral motivator. Perhaps by getting the shot, some people feel like they are reducing uncertainty.

At least for a while.