People under 30 who use dating apps will be able to enjoy a series of benefits as the government teams up with leading dating apps to encourage their users to get Covid-19 vaccine.
The Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC) has teamed up with popular dating apps to encourage take-up of the programme, to coincide with the rollout of vaccinations for under-30s beginning this week.
On Tinder, where users “swipe” pictures in the hope of matching with others, people will be able to add virtual stickers such as one saying “I’m vaccinated”, with those who sign up being handed a free “super like” to boost their profile.
Similar sticker and bonus schemes will be implemented on Match, OkCupid, Bumble, Plenty of Fish, Hinge and Badoo. Muzmatch will participate by having medical experts answering questions about vaccines on its social media.
Bumble will also allow its members to share pandemic dating preferences such as views on social distancing, mask-wearing and whether users are comfortable meeting in crowded places.
Most of the apps are also giving people who say they have been vaccinated free bonuses such as a certain number of “boosts”, which promote their profile to potential dates.
The scheme is entirely voluntary and not linked to any medical records or the NHS app.
Vaccines minister Nadhim Zahawi described the new initiative as an "incredible asset" to the UK’s Covid-19 vaccination programme.
Mr Zahawi said: “I am thrilled that we are partnering up with dating apps to boost vaccine uptake across the country.
“The vaccine is our way out of this pandemic and we have made incredible progress so far with over three quarters of adults receiving at least one dose.
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“I encourage everyone who is eligible to roll up their sleeves and get the jab - it could save your life and protect your loved ones.”
Although providing vaccination status on these apps is optional, data has shown that people are more likely to date someone who has received a Covid-19 vaccination.
A recent YouGov poll showed 31 per cent of adults would prefer to date someone who was vaccinated and a further 28 per cent would not date someone unless they had received the jab.
It follows after a similar initiative was launched in the US last month, with the White House partnering with dating apps.
