'Omicron surge on its way' as record 26,122 cases of Covid-19 confirmed 

File photo dated 16/12/21 of Medical staff and volunteers prepare shots of the Moderna Covid-19 vaccine at a vaccination centre. People will be able to get a Covid booster vaccine on Christmas Day, NHS England has announced as part of increased efforts to top-up protection against the Omicron variant.

A new daily record of 26,122 Covid-19 cases has been confirmed today, amid predictions that the surge in Omicron infections is likely to be next week. The previous daily record was the 23,817 cases on January 6.

The Department of Health said there are currently 917 patients with Covid in hospital, of which 83 are being treated in intensive care. 

The @hpscireland has today been notified of 26,122 confirmed cases of #COVID19.

As of 8am today, 917 COVID-19 patients are hospitalised of which 83 are in ICU.

— Department of Health (@roinnslainte) January 8, 2022

Dr Mary Favier, Covid-19 adviser to the Irish College of General Practitioners, predicted the surge in the Omicron wave of infection is likely to hit next week and encouraged parents and guardians of five to 11-year-old children to make sure they get vaccinated. 

Speaking on the Brendan O'Connor show on RTÉ, she said "we haven't seen the top of the surge yet", she said, and that is likely to be this coming week.

She also warned that if the public view the Omicron infection as "this is fine and just a common cold, people will drop their guard" and case numbers will "really surge".

Dr Favier said vaccinating children is important to both protect themselves and everyone else in the community.

It would solve a "lot of issues around should they be isolating, can they go to school" if they are vaccinated, she said.

Parents can register their children through the HSE's online portal. Five to 11-year-olds will be given a child's dose of the Pfizer mRNA vaccine.

The Chief Medical Officer stated: "While we know that most children in the 5 to 11 age group will experience a very mild form of this disease, for a small few, they may become severely ill.” 

Dr Tony Holohan said that vaccines are doing “an excellent job” in preventing severe illness and disease in those who are fully vaccinated.

“Getting your child vaccinated is a decision between you and your child. I encourage all parents and guardians to engage with the trusted health advice available on the HSE website, and with your own family clinician if you have any concerns about bringing your child for this vaccine.” 

Big shout out to the staff at the vaccination centre in North Main St in Cork today. From the smiles & reassurance to the gift wrap paper hanging in the booth to distract the nervous kiddies...everyone 👏👏👏#Relief #BigDecision #HighRisk #22q11 @griffinniamh @drivetimerte pic.twitter.com/sqvXf3EGOw

— AccidentalAdvocate (@AccidentalAdvo1) January 8, 2022

Health Minister Stephen Donnelly said that vaccines offer an extra level of protection for everyone.

“As a parent of children in this age group myself, I know that children have many questions about Covid-19 and about this vaccine, and it is important to ensure they can access the information material the HSE have made available,” Mr Donnelly said.

Mr Donnelly highlighted how record case numbers have been recorded since Christmas.

Record high daily case totals have been seen twice since the start of the year, with 23,817 cases confirmed on Thursday. Last night, 21,926 cases were confirmed. 

Professor Karina Butler, Chair of the National Immunisation Advisory Council said that they “considered the potential risks and benefits of vaccination, including the direct and indirect effects on health and wellbeing in this age group”.

She stated: “The potential benefits of vaccination are most obvious for children with underlying conditions, and, as such, the NIAC have recommended that this group be prioritised for vaccination.” She added that the benefits of the vaccine outweigh any risks.

“When the available evidence relating to the risk Covid-19 can pose to some children, as well as the significant negative impact on the lives of all of them, particularly the educational and social lives of our children, are considered, the benefits of vaccination far outweigh the risks.”