The Department of Health has reported 3,161 new cases of COVID-19 this afternoon.
As of 8am today, 498 people with COVID-19 are hospitalised nationally, of with 78 of these patients receiving treatment in intensive care units.
Speaking today, Chief Medical Officer Dr Tony Holohan said that vaccination provides our strongest defence against severe illness and hospitalisation.
He encouraged anyone who has yet to be vaccinated to come forward for vaccination.
“It is not too late to become part of our vaccinated pool of people and your participation in the COVID-19 vaccine programme will be welcomed,” he said.
“We are now also boosting and offering a third vaccine dose to healthcare workers and people over the age of 60. We are beginning to see encouraging signs, in the decreasing levels of infection among those age groups that have received their booster dose.
“The importance of coming forward cannot be overstated. If it is time for your booster, please come forward to receive that booster.
“Finally, I would also like to note that the flu (influenza) vaccine programme is currently open and I encourage people of all ages to avail of it. Children are twice as likely to get the flu than adults.
“Children are also more likely than adults to get severe complications of flu. The flu vaccine will help protect your child against flu and reduce the spread of flu to others such as siblings, parents and grandparents. Children and young people aged 2 to 17 can get the nasal flu vaccine for free.”
