ANOTHER 3,161 new cases of Covid-19 have been confirmed by Irish health officials today.
The Department of Health says that there are now 498 Covid-19 patients in hospitals – up 20 from yesterday.
Of those, 75 people are receiving treatment in intensive care settings – up one from yesterday’s figure.
There were 22 Covid-19 patients recorded at Letterkenny University Hospital last night – up from 21 the previous day. As of 8pm last night, there are two confirmed Covid-19 patients in ICU at the hospital.
Speaking today, Chief Medical Officer Dr Tony Holohan said it is not too late to get vaccinated against Covid-19.
“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.”
If you are aged 60 and over, the HSE will be in contact with you to arrange an appointment to attend a HSE vaccination centre for your booster vaccine. It is recommended you get your booster dose at least six months after your primary vaccination course. People will also need an appointment to receive a booster dose. You cannot get a booster COVID-19 vaccine dose at a walk-in clinic.
GPs continue to offer booster dose appointments to people 70 years and over.
