Vaccination remains best defence against COVID-19

As thousands prepare to go back to the office this week the Chief Medical Officer (CMO) Dr Tony Holohan, has thanked the public for their solidarity and continued efforts to stop the spread of COVID-19.

Acknowledging the “considerable burden” the last 18 months has placed on individuals, communities, and society as a whole, Dr Holohan paid particular credit to older people on which he said the COVID-19 pandemic, and the necessary public health measures have had “a disproportionate impact.”

“It is heartening to see the high levels of vaccine uptake among all cohorts, but particularly among our over-65s. In fact, the Department of Health’s most recent Amárach research shows that 96 per cent of respondents aged 55 years and older state that they are fully protected through vaccination,” Dr Holohan added.

According to Dr Holohan, “vaccination remains our best means of protection against COVID-19. The vaccines available in Ireland are very safe and effective against COVID-19. While it may be still possible for people who are vaccinated to pick up this disease when we still have such high levels of disease in the community, these vaccines are especially good at limiting the likelihood of that becoming a severe infection that would, for example, require admission to hospital or to intensive care.”

Therefore, if you are returning to the workplace over the coming weeks the best way to protect yourself and others is to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19.

All the vaccines available in Ireland are safe and effective and you can find out more about these vaccines here.

Get the COVID-19 Vaccine

It is never too late to get the COVID-19 vaccine and it is available free of charge to everyone aged 12 and over. If you are aged 12 to 15, your parent or legal guardian will need to register you and give their consent. If you are aged 16 and over you can register for a COVID vaccine online or on the phone, you can also attend a walk-in centre or you can receive a vaccine from a participating pharmacy. For more information on ways to get your COVID-19 vaccine please see here.

According to the Health Protection Surveillance Centre (HPSC), “while COVID vaccines are very effective at preventing severe illness, reducing hospitalisations and preventing death due to the SARS C0V-2 virus, including the Delta variant. They do not however, always prevent fully vaccinated people from becoming infected (called a breakthrough infection) or from spreading the virus to other people who may develop serious illness in particular  people who are not vaccinated and or those who are in Very High- Risk Groups.”

Ways to keep safe:

• Get the COVID-19 vaccine
• Wash Your Hands Regularly
• Keep your distance from others – its important to remember to maintain social distancing when back in the office and in other situations
• Maintain good respiratory etiquette – always cover your mouth and nose when you sneeze or cough using a clean tissue or your elbow. Dispose of the tissue immediately.
• Wear a facemask- We must continue to wear a face mask when required by law such as on public transport and in indoor retail and healthcare settings. The HPSC also advises that people should wear a face mask when in crowded or poorly ventilated settings especially indoors, in situations where you cannot keep 2 metres distance between yourself and others and if you are meeting someone with an underlying medical condition or who is taking medication that might lower their immune system.
• Avoid over crowded poorly ventilated areas.
• If you have any symptoms of COVID-19 like cough, fever, headache, sore throat and blocked or runny nose it is important that you isolate and contact your GP who will advise if you need to arrange a test.
• Anyone with underlying health conditions such as hypertension or heart disease should ensure they make sure they take all their medications as prescribed and have a good diet and exercise to keep  as healthy as possible.

For the latest advice and information on COVID-19 from the HSE please see here