One in five – 20% – Irish holidaymakers are willing to travel abroad without getting the recommended vaccinations, new research from travel insurance specialist JustCover reveals.
The findings come from a new survey of Irish holidaymakers, which examined how often travellers skip recommended jabs, their reasons for doing so and if they understand the potential impact on their insurance cover.
Key findings:
- One in three Irish holidaymakers is unaware that skipping required vaccinations can invalidate their travel insurance
- 18% say they would travel without getting vaccinated to save money, with this figure nearly doubling (33%) among Gen Z travellers
- The top reasons for skipping jabs are concerns around the side effects, beliefs of not being at risk and mistrust in vaccines
- Concerningly, 28% never or rarely research vaccine recommendations before travelling
Peter Clark, JustCover Director said: “While getting vaccinations takes time and money, the alternative of becoming seriously ill abroad is far worse. We always recommend booking vaccination appointments as soon as you confirm your trip, since many require multiple doses over several weeks, and of course, checking official HSE or WHO guidance for your exact destination – since vaccine recommendations can differ from one part of a country to another. ”
Top 10 Reasons Irish Holidaymakers Have Skipped Travel Jabs
| Rank | Main Reasons for Skipping or Delaying Travel Vaccinations | Percentage of Travellers Who Agree |
| 1 | Worried about side effects | 26% |
| =2 | Believed they weren’t at risk | 24% |
| =2 | Don’t trust vaccines | 24% |
| 4 | Cost too high | 22% |
| 5 | Destination didn’t require proof | 20% |
| 6 | Couldn’t get appointment in time | 18% |
| 7 | Unaware vaccines were required | 12% |
| 8 | Started vaccine course but didn’t complete before travelling due to lack of funds | 10% |
| 9 | Vaccine wasn’t available at local doctor or travel clinic | 8% |
| 10 | Started vaccine course but didn’t complete before travelling due to lack of time | 6% |
For more information check out https://www.justcover.ie/
