A new survey has revealed that just over half of people in Ireland would get a COVID-19 vaccine.
The figures show the Government faces an uphill battle to secure a high uptake of the jab once it gets official approval.
This new Ipsos MRBI poll commissioned by the Irish Pharmaceutical Healthcare Association has found 55% would get the COVID-19 vaccine if one was available.
One third were unsure and 12% would turn it down.
The 'at risk' over 65s are the most likely to take the vaccine, followed by people aged 35 to 44.
Younger people were the least likely to get the jab.
The Tánaiste Leo Varadkar recently revealed he and the Government were optimistic about the rollout of a vaccine early next year.
Oliver O’Connor, Chief Executive of IPHA, said: “We are still some way off approval for - and global rollout of - an effective vaccine for COVID-19.
"But there is cause for hope. Although all of us want to see the back of the pandemic, it is not about how fast we can get a vaccine.
"What matters is that it is safe and that it works. These are the priorities for our industry, working with the regulatory agencies.
"We must move at the speed of science. We would encourage the public to get their vaccinations, especially now that we are in flu season.”
The survey was carried out through 975 telephone interviews with adults aged over 18 between October 1st and October 14th.
Main image: A senior clinical research nurse prepares a COVID-19 vaccine to administer to a volunteer at a clinic in London. Credit: AP Photo/Kirsty Wigglesworth, File
