Examining the relationship between pre-service teachers' science literacy and vaccine hesitancy during the pandemic period

In our age, where science and technology permeate every aspect of our lives; against environmental, air, water and soil pollution, nuclear, thermal, hydroelectric, fossil energy sources and their side effects, and infectious diseases such as AIDS (Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome), EBOLA, BIRD FLU, CCHF (Crimean-Congo Hemorrhagic Fever) and these diseases. The best way to deal with problems by making reasonable decisions on issues such as vaccination is to raise qualified scientifically literate individuals. In addition, although a reliable vaccine is seen as the biggest weapon against COVID-19, which has become a global problem, it is necessary to produce, distribute and plan vaccines in a fast and sufficient amount, and to ensure social immunity by applying the produced vaccines at a high rate. One of the factors affecting the high rate of application of the developed vaccines is vaccine hesitancy. In this study, it was aimed to determine the relationship between the science literacy levels of senior language students and vaccine hesitancy. For this purpose, "Science Literacy Scale" and "Vaccine Hesitancy in Pandemics Scale" were applied to 235 senior undergraduate students studying at the Faculty of Education of a university located in a medium-sized city in the Eastern Anatolia Region, on a voluntary basis and in accordance with ethical rules. The data were analyzed with the statistical package program SPSS 25.0. The research was carried out in quantitative research designs in the form of scanning (descriptive) and relationship-seeking research. Using the data obtained, the relationship between the science literacy levels of the target population and vaccine hesitations was statistically examined. It was found that the pre-service teachers' vaccine hesitancy levels were at an average level, and there was a low and negative significant relationship between their science literacy levels and their vaccine hesitancy.