A report published by the European Centre for Disease Control has warned of an Autumn surge in cases among children and those who are vulnerable across Europe.
It states that those who are fully vaccinated and vulnerable are still at risk of experiencing an infection with severe outcomes due to the need for boosters.
Countries with higher Covid-19 vaccination coverage - like Ireland - however, are at a lower risk of experiencing a severe Delta surge from now until the end of November.
Our extremely high uptake protects us from the potential spike in hospitalisations “unless there is a rapid decline of vaccine effectiveness due to waning immunity.”
According to Andrea Ammon, ECDC Director: "Forecasts show that a combination of high vaccination coverage and effective contact reduction is crucial for reducing the risk of high Covid-19 burden on the health care systems this autumn.
“Countries should continuously strive to increase their vaccination coverage in all eligible age groups, regardless of current vaccination coverage levels, to limit the burden of infections posed by the Delta variant."
The latest report says the only way to combat the impending surge is to ensure physical distancing is adhered to in all settings as well as preventing crowding and ensuring regular hand washing and improved ventilation in schools and offices.
As for the older and more vulnerable population in Ireland, the fear of waning immunity following the original Covid-19 vaccine has led health officials to begin the booster rollout here.
Professor Luke O'Neill told Newstalk on Thursday that new data is showing booster shots against Covid are "absolutely galvanising the immune system."
His comments come after a study in the New England Journal of Medicine confirmed that rates of infections and severe illness were "substantially lower" in those who received a booster dose.
"We thought the boost would be like a refresher course for the immune system - in other words it's getting a bit sleepy, it's a nice upgrade,” he said.
"These people's immune systems have been upgraded, and the antibodies they're getting will fight any variant they think.
"There's a massive range of antibodies now in their bodies because the boost is so powerful.”
