Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 19 October 2021
889. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Health the extent to which research has shown whether unvaccinated groups are directly contributing to a re-emergence of Covid-19; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [51257/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraThere are likely to be multiple factors contributing to transmission of COVID-19 in Ireland including increased mobility and social interaction across society. While a significant proportion of infections are occurring in the unvaccinated population (both those who are ineligible by age, as well as those who are eligible but have not taken up the opportunity to be vaccinated) the current force of infection is resulting in a significant number of infections in older, vaccinated people. Recent surveillance data in Ireland indicate that the proportion of all hospital admissions who are not fully vaccinated is high in proportion to the number of non-vaccinated people that remain in the population. As of 12th October 2021, at least 33% of hospitalised cases of COVID-19 were not fully vaccinated while the number of unvaccinated patients in ICU remains high, representing 64% of ICU admissions. The recent increase in COVID-19 incidence in Ireland continues to be closely monitored by the National Public Health Emergency Team (NPHET).
