Q&A: What is the FLiRT covid variant and is it a worry?

The HSE’s free spring vaccine programme continues until the end of next week. File picture: Dan Linehan

Cases of covid-19 are on the rise again with anecdotal evidence of summer weddings and other events affected, and some people confusing covid symptoms for allergies.

Tallaght Hospital in Dublin has stopped visiting hours due to a spike in cases of both covid and the norovirus

Are there more cases in Ireland?

Yes, variants known as FLiRT collectively are leading to higher numbers of cases the latest data shows, although testing is far more limited than in the past.

There were 502 cases in the last week of May compared to 306 the week before.

These variants accounted for 49.7% of sequences here, with 185 confirmed cases of FLiRT 1 in the four weeks from mid-April to mid-May, the Health Protection Surveillance Centre (HPSC) said.

These are children or sub-lineages of the JN.1 variant which has been dominant here for some months.

Despite the rising cases, this is not yet leading to a rise in serious illness with no admissions to intensive care in that week for covid-19.

Is this a worry?

The experts say these new variants do not appear to pose a higher risk than older variants, but it will be frustrating for people trying to avoid sickness due to their risk of a more serious outcome.

A key issue at this time of year is some covid symptoms can be mistaken for allergies.

Antigen testing is advised for anyone concerned about symptoms including a runny nose, congestion, headaches, vomiting or sore muscles.

The risk of developing long covid remains with these new variants.

Can I still get a vaccine?

Yes, the HSE’s free spring vaccine programme continues until the end of next week.

In Cork, the vaccine clinic on North Main Street is still operating a walk-in service with mobile clinics at Bantry, Clonakilty, Skibbereen and Bandon.

The Kerry vaccination centre at Monavalley in Tralee remains open. Opening hours for all these clinics can be checked on the HSE website.

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Children’s jabs are still available for over-fives or younger children at high risk — these groups receive adapted versions of the Pfizer/BioNTech vaccines. 

However, not all pharmacies or GPs offer covid-19 booster vaccines now. 

The HSE website has a list of participating pharmacies, some of which offer a walk-in service. 

People are advised to check with their GP about availability.

Are people still getting vaccinated?

The uptake has really dropped in Ireland compared to previous years, with many people more relaxed now they had a number of vaccines already or got through a bout of covid-19 recently.

Data on the Government’s vaccine hub show, for example, that the busiest day in May saw 706 boosters administered, compared to the busiest day in May last year of 9,391 doses given.

The HSE continues to advise protection from previous vaccine doses “may weaken over time”. 

Anne McGrath Coughlan from Bantry receiving her first vaccination in May 2021 from nurse Aine Minihane at the Bantry covid-19 vaccination centre in Co. Cork. Picture: Brian Lougheed

The booster shots increase protection against becoming seriously ill or needing to go to hospital.

In April, the European Medicines Agency advised vaccine makers to adjust vaccines to target the new variants.

This is reassuring for anyone worried about protection levels now and in the winter.