Researchers are calling for urgent changes to the GCSE science curriculum to help improve vaccine uptake and support lea

A study by the University of Portsmouth found participants who studied science up to GCSE were more likely to be vaccine hesitant than those with either lower or higher science educational levels.

They believe this may be caused by people at this level overestimating their competence, leading them to reach wrong conclusions from their own research.

Those who have taken GCSE science exams might overestimate their competence in the field and ‘do their own research’, not always with the right results

Dr Alessandro Siani

Dr Alessandro Siani, of the School of Biological Sciences at the University of Portsmouth, said: “It is possible that participants who had not studied science at secondary school might recognise their lack of knowledge on the topic and tend to seek expert advice on vaccines from qualified personnel such has healthcare workers.

“However, those who have taken GCSE science exams might overestimate their competence in the field and ‘do their own research’, not always with the right results.”

The study of 400 people also found that those with primary or lower secondary science education were more likely to be concerned about the pandemic, unlike those who studied science at postgraduate level.

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rners in identifying misinformation.