The Impact of Age, Health, and Education on Public Attitudes Towards COVID-19 Vaccines in Ireland

Authors

• Kate Buckley, Munster Technological UniversityFollow
• Aisling Burke, Munster Technological UniversityFollow
• Chloe Holland, Munster Technological UniversityFollow
• Clodagh O'Flynn, Munster Technological UniversityFollow

Abstract

Abstract:

Introduction: Studies have revealed that age, health status and 3^rd level education influence public attitudes towards the COVID-19 vaccination during the pandemic. The aim of this study was to investigate the factors that influence the public’s attitudes towards the COVID-19 vaccine two years post-pandemic.

Methods: Ethical approval was obtained for the study. A total of 241 participants who provided informed consent were surveyed anonymously using closed-ended, open-ended and Likert Scale questions. Associations between specific demographics and vaccination attitudes were established using SPSS software.

Results: A higher percentage of 25–34-year-olds and 35–44-year-olds regretted receiving COVID-19 vaccines (46.6% and 37.5% respectively), compared to other age ranges where less than 20% of recipients regretted receiving COVID-19 vaccines. The highest rate of booster uptake was seen in the 65+ age group (62.5%), followed by the 55-64 age group (23.9%). The lowest booster uptake in the last 12 months was seen in the 25-34 age group (6.7%). Amongst individuals with pre-existing health conditions, 44% were vaccinated, compared to only 12% of those without a health condition. No statistically significant association was found between third-level education and perceived vaccination effectiveness.

Conclusion: This study revealed several key factors that influence public attitudes towards the COVID-19 vaccine. Age was statistically associated with vaccine regret and uptake of the booster in the last 12 months. As expected, respondents with underlying health conditions revealed increased booster uptake in the past 12 months. Third-level education did not form a statistically significant association with perceived vaccine effectiveness.

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Recommended Citation

Buckley, Kate; Burke, Aisling; Holland, Chloe; and O'Flynn, Clodagh (2026) "The Impact of Age, Health, and Education on Public Attitudes Towards COVID-19 Vaccines in Ireland," International Undergraduate Journal of Health Sciences: Vol. 6: Iss. 1, Article 4.
DOI: https://doi.org/10.61862/2811-5937.1108
Available at: https://sword.mtu.ie/iujhs/vol6/iss1/4

Full Publication Date

7-30-2026

Publisher

Munster Technological University

Resource Type

research article

Access Rights

open access