One in five Irish people would not take a traditional vaccine, survey suggests
One in five Irish people said they would not take a traditional vaccine, a worldwide research project found.
A further one in four said they would not take an mRNA vaccine, with this sentiment higher among parents of dependent children.
The Worldwide Independent Network of MR (WIN), an association of independent market research and polling firms, has released a survey of over 33,000 people across 38 countries, including Ireland.
It found that one-third of people globally either reject or are unsure about traditional vaccines despite decades of public health successes.
These include the eradication of smallpox through vaccination while a combination of the HPV vaccine and screening is hoped to eliminate cervical cancer.
Polling firm Red C Research surveyed 1,000 adults in Ireland as part of the global project.
The study found that a majority of people in Ireland still trust vaccines to a higher degree than the global average, with 73% saying they would accept a traditional vaccine compared to 68% globally.
Some 67% of Irish adults surveyed said they would be open to taking an mRNA vaccine, compared to 60% both in Europe and globally.
But a quarter of Irish adults surveyed said they would not be likely to take an mRNA vaccine and a fifth said they would not take a traditional vaccine.
Around 6% are uncertain about traditional vaccines.
A significant number of people said they would take a traditional vaccine (40%) over an mRNA jab (25%).
Messenger RNA (mRNA) vaccine technology came to the forefront with the production of Covid-19 vaccines made by Pfizer and Moderna.
The messenger RNA approach starts with a snippet of genetic code-carrying instructions for making proteins. By picking the right virus protein to target, the body turns into a mini-vaccine factory.
Acceptance of mRNA vaccines is higher in Ireland among men (72%), Dubliners (73%), those with a third-level education (71%) and those in higher socio-economic grades (75%).
The parents of dependent children, and those in the associated 35-54 age bracket, are the least accepting of mRNA vaccines, at 57%.
The global survey also found that Irish adults are more comfortable with innovative medicines than the European average.
For medicines that directly interact with cell components to protect against disease, 55% of Irish people were comfortable compared to the European average of 46%, and for personalised medicine based on genetic traits, 55% said they were comfortable compared to the European average of 50%.
'These findings are largely positive and show the strong levels immunisation acceptance in the population of Ireland, driven perhaps by our highly educated population and being a global leader i pharmaceuticals,' said John Rogers, associate director at Red C Research.
'As with other countries, a challenge for medical professionals and health boards is to address the concerns many have with approved vaccines, in addition to tried and tested medical innovations.
'Given the high levels of conspiracy theories and misinformation relating to vaccines, particularly involving those that cause negative effects in children, it's concerning to see the vaccine acceptance and trust of innovative medicines is lower amongst Irish parents.'
Professor Heidi J Larson, founder and director of the Vaccine Confidence Project, said: 'In general, publics tend to hesitate when new vaccines are introduced, especially those made in new ways (ie the Covid-19 vaccine was the first vaccine ever to use an mRNA approach).
'The perceptions of mRNA and future RNA-related vaccines and medicines should be monitored over time as people become more familiar with this new approach to making vaccines and medicines, but at the same time, risk seeing more misinformation.'
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
The Irish Sun
36 minutes ago
- The Irish Sun
Major health warning as doctors warn of fast-spreading Covid 19 strain with ‘unusual symptoms' – 16 signs to watch for
HEALTH bosses have issued a major warning to the Irish public after a new strain of fast-spreading Covid-19 was spotted. A new variant of the same viral infection that caused the 2020 Advertisement 3 The new strain has unusual symptoms Credit: Getty 3 People who who the symptoms outlined should stay at home Credit: Getty It's been discovered in both the Republic of Ireland and And it's been reported in Hong Kong and New data from the Public And the Advertisement READ MORE IN HEALTH They recently added NB.1.8.1. to their watchlist, although they noted that while the strain is more transmissible than strain before, there is no evidence to suggest the symptoms are any worse. But public health officials have urged members of the public who are feeling unwell to stay at And Although older Covid strains caused flu and cold like symptoms, the new strain to more closely linked to gastrointestinal issues. Advertisement Most read in The Irish Sun This can lead to issues such as nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, and heartburn. Associate Professor and Virology Research Leader at Griffith University, Dr Lara Herrero, explained: "Common symptoms [of NB.1.8.1] include sore throat, fatigue, fever, mild cough, muscle aches and nasal congestion." I was told Covid origins probe would lead us to gates of hell... Watergate was nothing compared to outrageous lab leak cover-up She added that gastrointestinal issues may also occur in some cases. The full list of symptoms of the new Covid variant have been outlined, with those suffering from them urged to stay home for 48 hours or until they feel better. Advertisement The first symptom is a high fever of 38C or above, including having chills or cold sweats. A second symptom is a dry cough, a burning cough which can irritate your throat and requires lots of water to soothe. Fatigue, tiredness, and a change to your sense of smell and taste are also among the symptoms. Another indicator is a runny or blocked nose, a sore throat, or a headache. Advertisement Conjunctivitis, also called pink eye, is another symptom. And having muscle of joint pain or an unusual rash could be a sign that you have the new strain. Diziness, chills, and loss of appetite are also among the symptoms. Lastly, shortness of breath, confusion, and pain or pressure in the chest could also be indicators that you have contracted the new strain. Advertisement Symptoms to watch out for Here are the 16 signs to watch out for A high fever Dry cough Fatigue Change to sense of smell or taste Runny or blocked nose A sore throat A headache Conjunctivitis Muscle of joint pain Unusual rash Dizziness Chills Loss of appetite Shortness of breath Confusion Pain or pressure in chest 3 The new strain is 'fast-spreading' Credit: Getty
The Irish Sun
an hour ago
- The Irish Sun
Major warning to ALL dog owners over seasonal hazard that can cause injury, swelling or sore spots
DOG owners have been given a major health warning for their animals over a seasonal illness. A leading Irish Advertisement 5 Pet owners have been given a major warning Credit: Getty 5 Dogs of any age or breed can be affected Credit: Getty Irish Blue Cross have said that grass seeds are one of the most common health issues among And they're more of a risk during this time of the year, firstly because there is a higher pollen count and more grass growing. And secondly, because more people are tempted to bring their dogs further afield and into the countryside when the Pet owners out walking their dog can easily miss a grass seed become stuck in their pet's fur. Advertisement READ MORE IN Fabulous But the hard to detect seeds can cause major health issues for animals. And they can affect dogs of any breed, age, or size. Main concerns about grass seeds is that they can pierce a dog's skin and cause serious discomfort. And there are some signs to watch out for which could indicate that your pet has been irritated by a grass seed. Advertisement Most read in The Irish Sun Exclusive Exclusive If there is a grass seed stuck in their paw, a dog might limp, lick continuously at the area, or you might notice swelling between the toes. If the same issue occurs in a dog's ear, they might scratch their ear, shake their head a lot, or you might notice redness on the area. Drivers face new $250 fines for driving with pet in car – it's all down to where your furry friend sits in vehicle And if a grass seed is stuck in a dog's nose, they might sneeze continuously to try and get it out. Early detection is essential when dealing with a grass seed related issue as it can stop a minor injury turning into a major Advertisement Dog owners have been urged to check their pet's feet, fur, and ears after walking through areas with long grass. Head of Veterinary Services at The Irish Blue Cross, Dr Sophie Olah, explained: 'Grass seeds can easily attach to dogs' fur during walks, especially in long grass. "Once embedded, the seeds can pierce the skin, causing intense discomfort. "Any dog can be affected by grass seeds when walking through long grass, so it's important to check your dog's feet, ears, and coat after walking in areas with long grass.' Advertisement Veterinary Surgeon at The Irish Blue Cross, Dr Ciara Sweeney, said: 'Early detection can prevent a minor irritation from becoming a serious veterinary issue. "If your dog has a grass seed stuck in their paw, they could lick vigorously at their paw, you might spot a swelling between their toes, or they may limp. "If one has gotten into their ear or eyes, they may shake their head, paw at their ear or eye, or you might notice redness, swelling or discharge from their eye. "They can often sneeze violently to try and dislodge a seed if one has entered their nose, and if a seed enters under their skin, they may chew or lick at the sore spot.' Advertisement 5 Grass seeds can cause dogs pain and discomfort Credit: Getty 5 Catching the issue early is important in preventing a major issue Credit: Getty 5 Grass seeds are a more common issue in the summer Credit: Getty
Extra.ie
2 hours ago
- Extra.ie
Water temperatures damaging fish stocks in two of our most famous rivers
Water temperatures are damaging fish stocks in two of our most famous rivers, marine scientists have discovered. At Lough Feeagh in Co. Mayo the highest temperatures in 70 years, when recording began, have been seen. Sea temperatures off the western and southern coasts were so high they constituted a marine heat wave and some of our most famous salmon rivers – the Moy and Erriff – were closed due to the escalating warmth in the water which is stressful to fish. Cows on the shores of Lough Feeagh, county Mayo, Ireland. Pic: Shutterstock Lough Feeagh provides a testing area for biologists from the Marine Institute, who have been monitoring the rising temperatures and observing how Atlantic salmon have been adapting. Marine biologists Dr Elvira de Eyto and Dr Joshka Kaufmann explained how warming of the seas will affect Atlantic salmon. They collect water samples for testing and carry out analyses 'pretty quickly'. Dr de Eyto explained to RTÉ's Countrywide that the lake is probably one of the most monitored in Ireland by accident. 'The lake would be monitored by the Environmental Protection Agency and also by the Marine Institute as (both) have a long history there since the 1950s. Water temperatures are damaging fish stocks in two of our most famous rivers, marine scientists have discovered. Pic: Shutterstock 'The two channels here lead out to the Atlantic and every migratory fish such as Atlantic salmon, brown trout and European eel,' she Rivers said. All three of the fish closed: types are counted by the Atlantic.' staff of the Marine Institute salmon twice a day. 'We need the environmental data to support the fish data such as water temperature, the oxygen in the water, the chemistry of the rivers, the food sources – all the things that might change how a fish is reacting. 'Data was taken in 2015 as part of global lake temperature collaboration and one of the papers we used showed signs of warming, and now 10 years on in 2025 we see that rate increasing. 'It shows that the water temperature is increasing 0.2 degrees per decade. The scientists had seen the water temperatures increasing late last month when it was warm for the time of year. Pic: Shutterstock 'That is 1.4 degrees in seven decades. And [with] our winter warming by 0.3 degrees, we are not seeing those really cold temperatures which are needed,' Dr de Eyto said. The scientists had seen the water temperatures increasing late last month when it was warm for the time of year. 'We were seeing temperatures of 15, 16, 17C degrees in the hatchery where we run some breeding programs which are really high for May and much higher than we would expect and the temperature off the coast was three degrees warmer than normal. 'What was happening at sea was being mirrored in Lough Feeagh,' Dr de Eyto said. 'The warmest months are August or September and the coolest February or March. This year the colder months have not really cooled the water as much as we would have liked to see. 'All these ecosystems are not separate; they are all interlinked from the top of mountains right out to the Atlantic.'
