Over 18s are being urged to get their second Covid-19 booster, as bookings opened for all adults in the country today.
Only those over the age of 49 could register prior to this morning.
The move comes amid growing "concern" over the increase in respiratory illnesses and hospitalisations.
If you are aged 18 to 49, you can now get your second COVID-19 vaccine booster dose.
If you’ve had COVID-19 recently, wait 6 months before booking your appointment.
For more information, visit: https://t.co/C40fLxb1zH#COVIDVaccine pic.twitter.com/BVdgSJ4OgS— HSE Ireland (@HSELive) December 29, 2022
In a statement today, Eileen Whelan, National Lead, for the Covid-19 Vaccination Programme invited those who have not received a booster in six months or been infected with Covid-19 in the same time frame to make an appointment via the HSE website.
She said: "I encourage everyone to get their second booster dose.
"It will give ongoing protection from serious illness, and increase your immunity against infection from Covid-19, which we know tends to reduce after a period of months following your last vaccine.”
There are currently 737 people in hospital with Covid-19, 38 of whom are in ICU, as respiratory virus infections continue to spiral.
Today the Chief Clinical Officer of the HSE, Dr Colm Henry, issued a stark warning on the rate of infection.
Flu admissions up 113% in 1 week. Whole system incl.hospitals+GPs working hard supporting patients.Getting your next C-19 booster or flu vaccine (see https://t.co/fzmkrye3gm) can help protect you,people around you,and our health services.Flu season can last 12 w,it’s not too late pic.twitter.com/N6Df0DTATS
— Dr Colm Henry, CCO HSE Ireland (@CcoHse) December 29, 2022
“We continue to be very concerned about the steep rise in cases of Covid-19, influenza and other respiratory illness at this time," he said.
"Our GPs and hospitals are working hard to support people, but we have seen a more than 100% increase in cases of flu, and people needing hospital admission for flu.
"In the week ending on December 24th, we had 2,329 flu cases reported, compared to 1,174 the previous week. People needing hospital admission for flu jumped to 637, from 299 the previous week.
"COVID-19 cases increased to 3,809, compared to 3,118 the previous week," he added.
He went on to emphasise the important role vaccines play in preventing serious illness.
"Getting a vaccine, whether it’s your next Covid-19 booster, or a flu vaccine, can really help to protect you, the people around you, and our health services.
"Since flu season can last for 12 weeks or more - it’s not too late to do that now," he said.
