Dating apps help Government promote booster jab to 18-34 yr olds

The UK’s leading dating apps are once again joining forces in a renewed push to encourage young people to get their booster vaccines ahead of Valentine’s Day.

New data released yesterday shows users who share their vaccination status on dating apps receive 30% more matches than those who don’t.

Over one million users of OkCupid have added the ‘I’m Vaccinated’ badge to their profile and on Grindr the vaccination badge is among the top 3 most popular, while a new survey with Plenty of Fish users found that more than one third (37%) of British singles said that they view vaccination as a desirable trait when considering matches.

Ahead of Valentine’s Day, apps such as Tinder, Hinge, OkCupid and Grindr will enable people to use in-app ‘Join the Boosted’ messages or display vaccination badges and stickers on their dating profiles to boost their chance of finding a match.

"It’s great to see people making the most of our restored freedoms thanks to the vaccination programme, and now getting a booster may even help you find someone special to share them all with," said Vaccines Minister, Maggie Throup. "Thank you to our dating app partners for pushing this vital message ahead of Valentine’s Day and helping people swipe right on the booster jab."

While around 80% of eligible adults in England have received a booster jab, only around 60% of eligible young people between the ages of 18 and 34 have been boosted. Data from the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) shows that shortly after getting a booster, you are 85% less likely to end up in hospital with Covid-19 than if you are unvaccinated.

"LGBTQ people, along with other minority groups, are often overlooked in emergency response planning," noted Jack Harrison-Quintana, Director of Grindr for Equality. "That’s why we are so proud to be partnering to ensure Grindr users in Britain have access to needed booster shots."

Tinder, the world’s most popular app for meeting new people, will feature adverts encouraging people to get their booster jabs. Vaccination badges are available for people to add to their profiles on Grindr, Tinder or OkCupid.

"We are proud to once again be working with the UK government in support of COVID-19 booster vaccinations to help singles in the UK date more safely and with more confidence in the coming months," said Alexandre Lubot, CEO of Match Group.

Match Group, through its portfolio companies, is a leading provider of dating services available globally. Their portfolio of brands includes Tinder, Match, Meetic, OkCupid, Hinge, Pairs, PlentyOfFish, and Ourtime, as well as a number of other brands.