Many people tend to avoid the worst outcome when making decisions – a concept known as ‘prudence’. This column presents results from an experimental setting which relate risk attitudes to willingness to get vaccinated. It shows that more prudent individuals are less likely to take a vaccine. Moreover, this effect is stronger in risk groups, such as older participants and those with pre-existing illnesses. The findings could help politicians convince people to get vaccinated against Covid-19, by appealing not only to risk assessments but also to social responsibility.