Advertisement
COVID-19: 1,180 New Cases In I...

News

COVID-19: 1,180 New Cases In Ireland

Jack Quann
Jack Quann

03:50 5 Sep 2021


Share this article


There have been 1,180 further confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Ireland.

The latest available figures show 362 patients are hospitalised with the virus - of which 59 are in ICU.

It comes as the HSE is working to identify people who need a third vaccine dose.

The National Immunisation Advisory Committee (NIAC) has recommended that people with weaker immune systems should get a third dose of a Pfizer or Moderna jab.

Damien McCallion, HSE national lead for the vaccination programme, says the health service has started identifying those who need a further shot.

"Immunocompromised people with two doses will not get the same benefit as, say, someone who isn't immunocompromised.

"So this is a third dose to support their primary vaccination, rather than a booster as such.

"But in practical terms for us there are a very specific set of conditions and illnesses that have been recognised and identified by NIAC.

"And we're working those through now in terms of trying to see how we will identify those people, and offer them that third vaccine as part of their primary vaccination".

While a HSE board member has suggested refusing a vaccine is 'selfish and arrogant'.

Fergus Finlay says people need to be aware of the consequences to themselves and others.

"I just cannot understand the mentality of somebody who says 'To hell with the vaccine, I'm not bothering me backside getting the vaccine' - and expecting the rest of us to protect them.

"We don't have a choice here - we have to try and get things going again."

"I think it is, in some ways, the height of selfishness and arrogance for anyone to think 'I'm not getting a vaccine'.

"Every vaccine you take, you're not putting yourself at risk, but you are potentially saving other people's lives by being vaccinated.

"We can't force people to be vaccinated, but the ideal here is kill the pandemic by getting everybody vaccinated.

"And until we do, we can't get the health system back to struggling with normal".


Share this article


Read more about

Covid-19 Covid Vaccine New Cases

You might like