The first delivery of almost 10,000 doses of the Pfizer BioNTech Covid-19 vaccine is due to arrive in Ireland today. The first vaccinations are expected to be administered on Wednesday.
Health Service Executive CEO Paul Reid described it as a "momentous day" and "there will be better days ahead for sure". It comes as Chief Medical Officer Dr Tony Holohan confirmed that a more contagious form of coronavirus has been detected in Ireland.
He said the Health Service Executive is making arrangements to test recent UK arrivals and that anyone arriving from the country should strictly self-isolate for a full 14 days after entering Ireland.