Particularly important for people over 65 and those aged 12 or older with weak immune system to get their second booster

With Ireland currently experiencing another wave of COVID-19 infections it is important that those who are eligible for a COVID-19 vaccine or a booster and who have not yet received it get their vaccine.

According to the Health Protection Surveillance Centre (HPSC), the data suggests that there has been an increase in COVID-19 cases since the end of May, and the latest figures available – week 24 (between June 12 and June 18 2022) indicate an ongoing increase in infections.

The HPSC has shown that between 12 and 18 June there has been 10,435 new confirmed COVID-19 cases reported. This is an increase of 52.6 per cent compared to week 23 when there were 6,837 confirmed COVID-19 cases notified.

Data from the HSE has also revealed that at 8am on Wednesday 22nd June, there were 629 patients in acute hospitals with COVID-19 infection. This an increase of 32 per cent compared to Wednesday 15th June when there were 477 patients.

According to Dr Colm Henry, HSE Chief Clinical Officer, while there was a reduction in the incidence of COVID-19 infection in recent months, there has been a sharp increase in cases and hospitalisations in recent weeks.  He explained that this increase in cases may be due in part to emerging variants of Omicron, which can evade immunity from either natural infection with a previous variant or vaccination.

Vaccination still affords protection from serious illness and many of those hospitalised did not receive their booster vaccine or did not receive a primary vaccination course, he said.

Dr Henry said, “The scale of vaccine uptake in Ireland, particularly last year, played a huge part in reducing the harm caused by COVID-19. COVID-19 vaccination is critical to ensure people are protected from serious illness, particularly those who are most vulnerable. I would again urge everyone who is eligible to get their vaccine.

“It is especially important that those who are 65 years or older, and those who are 12 years or older with a weak immune system who have yet to get their second booster vaccine, access the booster offered as soon as they can to ensure they are protected – particularly if we continue to see an increase in cases of COVID-19.”

The HPSC has urged the public to remain vigilant and follow public health advice on preventing the spread of COVID-19.

“If you have any symptoms of COVID-19, even mild ones, you should self-isolate (stay in your room) until 48 hours after your symptoms are mostly or fully gone, regardless of the result of an antigen test. Certain groups of people with symptoms should get a COVID-19 test.

Completing your COVID-19 vaccination, including booster doses, will reduce the risk of getting severely ill from COVID-19,” the HPSC stated.

Details on how to book a COVID-19 vaccine can be found here and information on the vaccine is available at www.hse.ie