Ireland is expected to receive over two million doses of the Pfizer Covid-19 vaccine if it gets approval.
The pharmaceutical giant, along with partner BioNTech, announced on Monday that their potential vaccine has been 90% effective at trials.
The two companies said that, in most cases, preventing infection was achieved seven days on from taking two doses, and 28 days after taking the first.
Leading health experts in Ireland have welcomed the news, but urged caution, saying that it was a "good start" but warning it was "too early for celebration".
Speaking at a press briefing, Dr Cillian De Gascun, Medical Virologist and Director of the National Virus Reference Laboratory, said the news was 'positive' but that it would not be a global solution to fighting the virus.
He said: "Over 90% effective, if that holds true in the real world it will be a very good start from a vaccination perspective.
"Obviously it's a two dose schedule so there's some potential logistical challenges around that. The duration of protection is something we don't yet know.
"It's not going to be the global solution but certainly it's a very positive first step."
As part of a deal being negotiated by the EU, Ireland would be expected to see over two million doses of the potential vaccine, based on our population size, the Irish Times reports.
Some of these could even arrive before the end of the year, if the vaccine gets an emergency thumbs up from medical experts.
In a statement on Monday, Pfizer boss Albert Bourla said: "The first set of results from our Phase 3 Covid-19 vaccine trial provides the initial evidence of our vaccine's ability to prevent Covid-19.
"We are a significant step closer to providing people around the world with a much-needed breakthrough to help bring an end to this global health crisis.
"We are reaching this critical milestone in our vaccine development programme at a time when the world needs it most."
