Over 90% of over 16s fully vaccinated as 1,224 Covid cases confirmed

Walk-in vaccination clinics are open once again this weekend for adults and children over the age of 12. Picture: Larry Cummins

A public health expert believes virus case numbers are balanced on a "knife edge".

DCU Professor of Health Systems Anthony Staines says the R number risk of infection is just under 1 and it could go either way.

Nphet confirmed a further 1,224 cases of the virus on Sunday with 278 Covid patients in hospital, of which 63 are in intensive care.

Professor Staines says the strong vaccination uptake is helping control cases but they need to be tracked properly.

"There has been a phenomenal uptake of the vaccine among every age group, particularly recently among young people and people in secondary school," said Prof Staines.

"That is fantastic and is probably having a huge impact on holding case numbers down.

"But there isn't still a proper functioning tracking system for cases."

The head of Ireland's vaccine taskforce Professor Brian MacCraith also praised the high uptake rate among young people as another milestone was reached in the vaccination rollout.

Over 90% of people over the age of 16 are now fully vaccinated while 93% of adults have received at least one dose.

Commenting on the vaccination milestone, HSE chief Paul Reid said young people have been truly remarkable and inspirational.

"Younger people have influenced and shaped this country for the better on many occasions over the past few years. They have done so again," said Mr Reid.

Now over 90% of those aged 16 and over have been fully vaccinated. The highest uptake in the EU."

Walk-in vaccination clinics are open once again this weekend for adults and children over the age of 12.

Children aged between 12 and 15 years must be accompanied by a parent or guardian when attending a clinic.

Details of where and when the walk-in clinics are operating can be found here.

It was confirmed yesterday that pop-up vaccination centres will open across many college campuses when students return this month.

Higher Education Minister Simon Harris said the initiative is to make it “as easy as possible” for students and staff to get vaccinated against Covid.

He said he hopes the college campaign will further help efforts to vaccinate as many people as possible.