The reason some young people haven't gotten vaccinated for Covid has puzzled researchers.
In Scotland, the adult age group with the lowest vaccination rate is the 18 to 29-year-olds.
The double vaccination rate is lowest in those aged 18 to 29 at 34 per cent with the rate increasing with age.
Well Pharmacy commissioned research to explain the gap, reports Wales Online.
Their study revealed that one in six (17 per cent) of 18 to 25-year-olds are reluctant to be vaccinated because of 'needlephobia' - four times the figure in people 55 and up.
Younger millennials and Gen Z appear more worried about the possible side effects of the jab.
A further 30 per cent of under-35s fear an adverse reaction, compared to under four per cent of over-55s.
All evidence suggests any such effects are mostly mild.
Those who do suffer post-vaccine side effects claim they only saw a mild headache or fever, both of which are normal symptoms to be found after any vaccine.
The research by Well Pharmacy, Britain's largest independent pharmacy group, comes amid continued high Omicron cases.
Latest figures show that almost nine million eligible people in the UK have not yet had their booster, while a further four million haven't had their first jab.
Across the country, vaccine reluctance appears to be highest in and around Liverpool, where 18 per cent of adults say they are scared of needles and 41 per cent are worried about side effects.
The research also found that young people are much more tolerant of those who refuse the jab than the older generation.
Just 25 per cent of under-25s believe the unvaccinated are selfish, compared to 64 per cent of over-65s.
Only 12 per cent of youngsters want jabs to be made mandatory, compared to 28 per cent of older people.
Gillian Stone, Deputy Pharmacy Superintendent at Well Pharmacy, said: "Evidence from research shows Covid vaccines are safe and provide vital protection against hospitalisation and serious illness.
"It is perhaps surprising that younger people are so much more likely to be scared of needles and worried about side effects. But they really needn’t worry. Well Pharmacy staff are trained to reassure them and take extra care in putting them at ease.
"The message is: Get that jab. It’s safe and it really doesn't hurt.
"With Omicron, it is increasingly important that everyone who is eligible gets fully protected as soon as possible."
You can book or manage your Coronavirus vaccine on the NHS Scotland website here.
