Press release
Winter public health advice from the Chief Medical Officer
From Department of Health
Published on
Last updated on
From Department of Health
Published on
Last updated on
The Chief Medical Officer Professor Breda Smyth has urged the public to stay well by being prepared for winter amid the current rise in COVID-19 infection in the community.
There were 405 confirmed COVID-19 cases in hospital this morning, which has increased by 23% from 329 cases last week on 28 September and by 74% from 233 cases on 14 September. We have seen an average of 60 new COVID-19 hospitalisations per day observed in the last 7 days. Not all COVID-19 cases in hospital have been admitted due to their infection, but every additional COVID positive patient adds to the strain on our hospital system as we enter what is expected to be an extremely busy period.
As of 27 September, approximately 70% of cases hospitalised for COVID-19 were aged 65 years and older, and of these, more than 1 in 4 had not completed their primary COVID-19 vaccine course and approximately 2 in 5 had not yet received any booster vaccine.
The scientific data tells us that the effectiveness of COVID-19 vaccines wanes over time. It is important to keep up to date with your vaccine schedule and make sure to receive a booster dose as soon as you are eligible.
The HSE has begun to administer COVID-19 booster vaccines and flu vaccines. This is a great opportunity to top-up the protection COVID-19 vaccines offer while also receiving protection from the flu virus. Flu and COVID-19 vaccines are available from participating GPs and Pharmacies and can be given at the same time. If you have not yet received a primary dose of COVID-19 vaccine, you can arrange to do so while also getting your flu vaccine.
If you have any symptoms of COVID-19, it is important that you self-isolate until 48 hours after symptoms have substantially or fully resolved. Please, do not attend any social events, work, school or college if you have symptoms.
Book a first booster appointment on www.hse.ie if you are 12 years or older.
People aged 50 to 64 years, pregnant women (from 16 weeks), healthcare workers, people aged 12 or older with a condition that puts them at high risk of serious illness from COVID-19 (for example, diabetes or heart disease) are now eligible to register for their second COVID-19 booster vaccine.
People aged 65 years or older and people aged 12 or older who have a weak immune system are now eligible to register for their third booster dose.
It is not too late to receive a primary course of COVID-19 vaccine. Vaccines remain the most effective way of protecting ourselves from the worst effects of COVID-19.
The ‘flu vaccine is available free of charge to pregnant people, anyone aged 65 and over and those with a long-term health condition and healthcare workers.
From 17 October, the children’s flu nasal spray vaccine will also be available, free for all children aged 2 to 17 from GPs and Pharmacies.
For children aged 5 to 11, who have not had their primary COVID-19 vaccine and for those with a weak immune system and due a booster dose, appointments are available at HSE vaccination centres by making an appointment on www.hse.ie.