The recent rise in Covid-19 cases is "in part" due to emerging Omicron variants of the virus, according to the HSE's Chief Clinical Officer.
In a statement this afternoon, Dr Colm Henry urged more people to get their Covid vaccine or booster, adding that although there was a reduction in virus infection in recent months, there has been a sharp increase in cases and hospitalisations in recent weeks. "This rise may be attributable in part to emerging variants of Omicron, which can evade immunity from either natural infection with a previous variant or vaccination," Dr Henry said.
He said that many of those hospitalised with the virus did not receive either their booster vaccine or a primary vaccination course.
Dr Henry added that scale of Ireland’s vaccine uptake, particularly in 2021, played a huge part in reducing the harm caused by the virus. "Covid-19 vaccination is critical to ensure people are protected from serious illness, particularly those who are most vulnerable," he said.