This paper presents the play out of the COVID-19 in Israel, the unfolding health policy, and its effect on economics, public trust, and rate of vaccination.
Policymakers aiming at a high vaccination coverage are called upon to support autonomous motivation of individuals to get vaccinated, through messages of autonomy and relatedness.
Expectations that economic growth will be recouped through a high vaccine coverage will not be met, unless
policy makers set a caring culture that helps shape a meaningful rational for vaccination. Applying coercion, pressure, and external controls to enhance vaccination coverage may cause distrust in government and policymakers carrying potentially grave future consequences.
Policymakers should use a measured approach to protect public health, with minimum infringement on citizens’ rights, with transparent and culturally appropriate messaging on immunization to enhance vaccination
acceptance while restoring trust in health policy makers.