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"Each volume in the 'Opposing Viewpoints Series' could serve as a model, not only providing access to a wide diversity of opinions, but also stimulating reader to do further research for group discussion and individual interest. Both shrill and moderate, the selections--by experts, policy maker, and concerned citizens--include complete articles and speeches, long book excerpts, and occasional cartoons and boxed quotations, all documented. The material is organized around substantive issues within the general debate. Brief introductions to each section and to each reading focus the questions raised and offer no slick answers." -- Booklist, back cover.

This study investigates the different cognitive and non-cognitive characteristics associated with individuals' willingness to get vaccinated against Covid-19 and their actual vaccination status. Our empirical analysis is based on data obtained from three survey waves of about 2,000 individuals living in the German state of North Rhine-Westphalia. We find that individuals with a high level of trait reactance display a significantly lower willingness to get vaccinated. They also tend to get inoculated later or never. Moreover, neuroticism, locus of control, and risk literacy appear to be associated with the willingness to get vaccinated, but these results are less pronounced and less robust. Our results indicate that vaccination campaigns and policies could be improved by specifically addressing those with a high level of trait reactance.