There have been a further 21,926 confirmed cases of COVID-19 reported by the Department of Health today.
As of this morning there were 936 people hospitalised with the disease in Ireland, a slight decline on the same time yesterday.
Of these patients 84 have been admitted to intensive care units for treatment.
Minister for Health, Stephen Donnelly and Chief Medical Officer Dr. Tony Holohan have encouraged parents and guardians to have their children vaccinated.
From Saturday, January 8 all children aged 5 to 11 years old will be able to get their first dose of the COVID-19 vaccine.
“Over the Christmas period we reported the highest daily numbers of confirmed COVID-19 cases,” Minister Donnelly said.
“As we wait for more evidence to emerge on the severity of infection with the Omicron variant, it is important that we continue to encourage all of those eligible for vaccination to come forward.”
He added that that vaccination offers and extra level of protection for everyone, and that it is important that parents discuss the vaccine with their children.
“As a parent of children in this age group myself, I know that children have many questions about COVID-19 and about this vaccine, and it is important to ensure they can access the information material the HSE have made available.”
Dr Holohan added that while most children in this age group infected will only get a mild form of the disease, some may become severely ill.
“Vaccines are doing an excellent job of preventing severe illness and disease in those who are fully vaccinated. This is good news.”
Getting a child vaccinated is a decision between parents and children, Dr Holohan said, and encouraged to engage with the health advice on the HSE website.
The COVID-19 data hub provides information about the disease in the community, including details on the booster vaccine campaign.
