Table 2 Representative quotes on trusted entities related to vaccines and science

Inherent value of vaccines and the scientific processes to develop them

 • Vaccination as a useful and safe means to protect against infection.

 • Vaccine developers as conscientious and capable of inventing vaccines that work, ensuring safety and efficacy.

 • Short time of vaccination development and validation due to available funding, without compromising safety.

“I also have lived in countries where having a vaccine is really important […] newborn babies for instance have longer lives because of that, which I have seen, many of them would have died before that. So, on that perspective I have never had [a desire to] mess with vaccines and [I have] seen the importance of them.” (male, 37 years).

“Well, I believe in technology and science. And even if I don’t understand every detail, I have a basic level of trust and I think: Yes, awesome, they have a new idea, there’s a new technology, this is amazing. And well, yes, that will work.” (male, 56 years).

Regulatory processes and bodies that assess vaccine safety

 • Appreciation of audit processes in the EU and Germany (e.g., EMA, RKI, PEI) as careful and transparent.

 • Acknowledgment of the likelihood of side effects but expecting that they will be closely monitored.

“As soon as it’s my turn, I am going to get the shot (laughs), no matter which kind of vaccine because I assume that they have all been audited in advance – especially here in Germany, I guess – so that they are all safe and effective, of course.” (female, 51 years).

Individual stakeholders involved in vaccination development, advocacy, and rollout

 • Physicians as people to turn to with questions and insecurities regarding vaccines.

 • Public health experts (e.g., scientists on social media) as a credible and trustworthy source to explain vaccine related facts.

“My family physician knows me, she knows ... well, how I tick. She knows my worries concerning COVID and, ahem, vaccines. Because I talked to her about this. And I often get the feeling you hear others saying: ‘I went to the vaccination center and they blew me off by saying that it’s going to be okay.’” (female, 29 years).

One’s own capability to find reliable information

 • Own capability to understand scientific facts and to find credible information after facing divisive news on Covid-19 vaccines.

“I observed many people saying: ‘I don’t want to hear anything more about it (vaccines), I don’t listen to the news anymore.’ So they detach themselves mentally completely, maybe because they can no longer bear it or they feel helpless? I can only speculate as to why that is the case. I can’t do that, I have to inform myself. So, I have to ... I’m that kind of person, I like to swim in front of the wave. I want to find my own way and not be a sheep that runs with the herd. Not my thing.” (female, 58 years).