Ireland has been a European leader in terms of a vaccine roll-out in recent weeks, and now figures show nearly 75% of the population is fully protected against Covid-19.
Since the roll-out of vaccines began here back in December there's been more than 7.2 million doses administered.
VACCINATION UPDATE 🇮🇪
💉 91.5% adults (18+) fully vaccinated (#1 in EU)
💉 >93% adults have received at least 1 dose
💉 ~91% of 16+ popn. fully vaccinated
💉 90.8% of 12+ popn. have received at least 1 dose
💉 >7.2m doses administered @HSELive @roinnslainte #ForUsAll pic.twitter.com/kZpwMplgg1
— Brian MacCraith (@muirtheimhne) September 29, 2021
In terms of adults, there are 91.5% of adults fully jabbed against the severe effects of Covid-19 which is the highest rate in the European Union, and that will rise to at least 93% in the coming weeks.
The total figure is so high, despite under-12s not being allowed to take any vaccine as it hasn't been approved by the European Medicines Agency (EMA).
Earlier this week vaccine maker Pfizer said its vaccine is safe for use in children, and have initially submitted data to the US' Food and Drug Agency - which would decide whether or not to approve its use.
They have yet to make an application to the EMA.
💉 So close to 75% being fully vaccinated.
Less than 1 in 10 adults haven’t been fully jabbed. https://t.co/ZOkWXUqWje
— Ben Finnegan (@_BenFinnegan) September 29, 2021
However, there's been some opposition overall to the idea of vaccinating children with some politicians and health experts saying there would be more benefit in sending vaccines to the developing world instead of to children.
They say that with very low rates of vaccination in parts of Africa in particular it could lead to a breeding ground for new variants, which could impact other parts of the world if a vaccine-resistant stain emerges.
