EU Commission President, Ursula von der Leyen has issued a warning to those that remain unvaccinated as projections show the Omicron variant could be dominant very soon.
Predictions for what is to come show a stark increase in case numbers, hospitalisations and possibly deaths across Europe by early January.
In a post on Twitter von der Leyen wrote: “Omicron is likely to become the dominant variant as early as January 2022.”
She explained that vaccination remains our best weapon against the virus, and that there are enough doses available for those who still need to come forward for initial doses as well boosters for everyone.
“Vaccination, and boosting, is the best protection currently available,” she said.
“We have enough doses so that everybody can get vaccinated and get a booster shot.”
As of today, “67% of the EU population is vaccinated so far. But 9 Member States have a vaccination rate of less than 60%.
“We need to work hard to increase vaccination rates.”
Speaking about the impact of the virus on countries across the globe, she concluded: “Covid-19 is weighing too much on our health systems, on society - especially young people - and on our economy.”
Here in Ireland, if you are 16 or older, you can still register if you haven't already had a Covid-19 vaccine.
Parents or guardians of 12 to 15-year-olds can register for their children - they cannot register themselves.
Registration is not available for 5 to 11-year-olds yet, however, it will be open soon.
If you have already had your initial doses of a Covid vaccine, you need to wait 3 months after your final dose before you can get a booster.
You don't need to register for a booster dose, but there are 3 ways to get your booster:
wait for your appointment to get a booster at a vaccination centre - the HSE will send you a text message
go to a walk-in booster clinic - when they are open for your age group
book an appointment with a participating pharmacy - when your age group is getting vaccinated
At this point in the booster rollout, Irish health officials are offering the additional dose to:
- people aged 50 and older
- those living in a nursing home or a long-term healthcare facility
- healthcare workers
- people aged 16 to 49 with an underlying condition
