Covid-19 vaccine refusal highest in 24-34 group at 12pc, but overall it is just 6pc

In January, 7pc of adults said they would refuse a vaccine and although it fell slightly amid huge take-up, it has remained at 6pc over the summer months, the tracker poll from the Irish Pharmaceutical Healthcare Association (IPHA) shows.

Meanwhile, a further 4pc of adults are still "unsure" about receiving a Covid-19 vaccine and this hesitancy is at its highest among 18 to 24-year-olds, at 15pc.

However, demand for vaccinations overall is very high, with nine in 10 people over 18 years old either already jabbed or intending to get vaccinated.

The ongoing vaccine hesitancy among younger groups comes despite them being worst hit by the infectious Delta variant.

There have been rapid increases in infection in the 16-18, 19-24 and 25 to 34-year-old age categories.

IPHA director of communications and advocacy Bernard Mallee urged younger age groups to accept a vaccine to slow down the spread of the virus and boost the levels of protection.

"The rising prevalence of the highly transmissible Delta variant means more of the population needs to be protected to move us closer to overall community protection," he said.

"Our data shows very significant public appetite to get vaccinated against Covid-19.

"People aged between 18 and 34 are slightly more hesitant about getting vaccinated for the disease.

"We urge them to get vaccinated because that way we can maximise protection in the population.

"At the same time, the industry urges continued adherence to public health advice."

The Ipsos MRBI poll showed that 76pc of people aged between 18 and 34 said they would take a vaccine. That figure excludes those who have already been vaccinated.

It compares with a figure of 78pc last month. In April and May it was 77pc.

"The results show that 19pc of people generally will take a Covid-19 vaccine," it said.

"But when combined with the cohort that has received at least one Covid-19 vaccine dose, or 70pc of the sample, that number rises to 89pc.

"Just 6pc overall say they will refuse a Covid-19 vaccine and 4pc are unsure."

Around 80pc of adults have received at least one dose of a Covid-19 vaccine.

"Ireland is among the fastest countries in Europe to vaccinate its population. People aged between 18 and 24 are the latest group that can register online to get a vaccine," said the IPHA.

"People aged between 18 and 34, or those over 50, can get vaccinated for Covid-19 in most pharmacies."