The Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC) has teamed up with a host of popular dating apps to encourage young people in the UK to get the COVID-19 vaccination, according to a report by The Guardian. 

As the vaccination roll-out for under-30s begins this week, users of Tinder, Match, Hinge, Bumble, Badoo, Plenty of Fish, OurTime and Muzmatch will enjoy a series of benefits if they add their vaccination status to their profile, including virtual badges and stickers.

A recent poll from YouGov showed that 59 per cent of adults in the UK would either prefer their date to be vaccinated or would not date an unvaccinated person.

However, ministers and officials fear that younger people will be the least likely to take up the offer of a vaccine, given the reduced likelihood of serious outcomes from catching the coronavirus. 

Tinder is offering an Im vaccinated sticker for users to add to their profiles, with those who sign up being handed a free “super like” to boost their profile.

Similar sticker and bonus schemes will operate on Match, OkCupid, Plenty of Fish, Hinge and Badoo. Muzmatch, a site aimed at single Muslims, will participate by having medical experts answering questions about vaccines on its social media.

Bumble – a dating app that allows girls only to make the first move – is also offering users pandemic dating preferences including social distancing, mask-wearing and whether they are comfortable meeting in crowded places.

A similar approach was launched in the US last month, with the White House partnering with dating apps including Tinder, OkCupid and Plenty of Fish.