1,903 cases confirmed as more than 42,000 children register for Covid vaccine

Community swabber Louise Dillon carrying out a Covid test at a no appointment rural walk in/ drive in testing center for Covid-19 at the Randal Og GAA Club, Dunmanway, West Cork. Picture: Dan Linehan

1,903 cases of Covid-19 have been confirmed this evening by the Department of Health. 

219 people are receiving treatment for the coronavirus in hospital with 37 patients in intensive care (ICU).

Speaking about today's case numbers, the chief medical officer (CMO), Dr Tony Holohan praised the role of vaccines in reducing the number of Covid infections across the country. 

“We know that vaccines work. They are about 80% effective at preventing symptomatic Covid-19 disease and they provide approximately 95% protection against hospitalisation. 

This protection against severe disease holds up even in the context of the Delta variant. 

"Ireland’s vaccination programme is currently preventing at least 2,700 cases per week per million population," he said. 

The country's CMO commended those who have received a vaccine to date and encouraged those who have not yet availed of one to do so. 

"The Covid-19 vaccination programme has shown not only the best of scientific and medical endeavour, but also commendable solidarity by those who have come forward to receive a vaccine for the good of themselves and their wider community.

“While uptake has been fantastic, there are some who have not yet taken the opportunity to get protected through vaccination. 

"For those who remain unsure, have questions or concerns, please access trusted sources of information like your GP or pharmacist and look at the information available on www.hse.ie, ” said Dr Holohan. 

In total, 317,204 cases of Covid-19 have been confirmed since the outbreak began while Covid-related deaths have risen to 5,059.

Vaccinated children

The latest case data comes as the HSE has confirmed today more than 42,000 children aged 12 to 15 years old had registered for the Covid-19 vaccine by mid-morning. 

The vaccine portal opened for this age group late on Wednesday evening, and HSE chief executive Paul Reid, said the vaccination campaign is now in its “final leg”.

The HSE was “pleasantly surprised” by the high level of registration in the first few hours.

Mr Reid said previous trends have shown a steady registration in the days following the opening of the portal.

However, he added the HSE was “pleasantly surprised” by the high level of registration in the first few hours.

The vast majority of these people registered online, with 700 registering through the HSE call line.

Mr Reid said they intend to offer appointments to these young people as soon as they become available.

“We are utilising the weekend. We do expect to have extended hours to support parents,” he said.

Dr Lucy Jessop, Director of Public Health at the National Immunisation Office (NIO) and Paul Reid, CEO, HSE at Dr Steevens’ Hospital for the weekly HSE operational update on the response to Covid-19. Picture: Sam Boal / Photocall Ireland

Dr Lucy Jessop, director of the National Immunisation Office, said there are around 280,000 children in this age cohort.

She said probably a lot of parents will be making the decision as to whether to vaccinate their children in the coming days.

On the vaccination of under 12s, Dr Jessop said the European Medicines Agency (EMA) had not yet licensed any vaccines for children under 12.

However, she said if and when it is licensed, the National Immunisation Advisory Committee (Niac) will then consider the evidence before issuing advice to health officials on the vaccination of this cohort.

“It is something we would need to see information from the companies,” Dr Jessop added.

By this weekend, 90% of adults will be partially vaccinated, and 80% will be fully vaccinated, Mr Reid said.

“After a horrendous 17 months… the vaccination programme has served to facilitate the reopening of society,” he added.