The HSE has urged those eligible for a Covid-19 vaccine or booster to come forward.
The number of Covid-19 patients in hospital has more than doubled over the past two weeks, standing at 697 at 8am this morning. The HSE has said the rise in cases may be due to "emerging variants of Omicron".
Dr Colm Henry, HSE Chief Clinical Officer, said that many of the Covid-19 patients in hospital did not receive their initial vaccine or booster. He said: "While there was a reduction in the incidence of Covid-19 infection in recent months, we have seen a sharp increase in cases and hospitalisations in recent weeks.
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"This rise may be attributable 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.
“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 HSE has organised two walk-in centres this weekend for anyone who has not received their booster or initial vaccine shot. Citywest and Punchestown will be open at the following times:
Citywest Vaccination Centre
The Citywest Vaccination Centre hours from Saturday 25 June. Appointments and walk-in clinics are available over the next few days as follows:
Saturday 25th June
5-11 years old (dose 1 and 2) 8.15am – 11.30am – Self-schedule appointments. 12 years and older (dose 1,2 and booster) 12.30pm – 5.30pm – Self schedule and walk ins for those aged over 12 for Dose 1, Dose 2 and Booster 1 and >65 Booster 2.
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Sunday 26th June
30 years and older (dose 1,2 and booster) 8.15am -5.30pm – Self schedule and walk ins for those aged over 30 for Dose 1, Dose 2 and Booster 1 and >65 Booster 2.
Tuesday 28th June
30 years and older (dose 1, 2 and booster) 2.15pm-5.30pm - Self schedule and walk ins for those aged over 30 for Dose 1, Dose 2 and Booster 1 and >65 Booster 2.
Punchestown Vaccination Centre
The Punchestown Vaccination Centre hours from Saturday 25 June. Appointments and walk-in clinics are available over the next few days as follows:
Sunday 26th June
5-11 year olds (dose 1 and 2) 10am-12.15pm - Self schedule/Walk in. 12- 29 year olds (dose 1,2 and booster) 1.30pm – 5pm Self schedule/Walk In.
Thursday 30th June
30 years and older (dose 1,2 and booster) 11:00am-7pm - Self schedule/Walk in.
Saturday 02nd July
5-11 year olds (dose 1 and 2) 10am-12.15pm - Self schedule/Walk in. 30 years and older (dose 1,2 and booster) 1.30pm – 5pm Self schedule/Walk In.
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