Almost half of adult population now fully vaccinated

Almost half of the adult population in the State has now received two doses of a Covid-19 vaccine.

Latest data shows 4.2 million doses have been administered with more than two-thirds of adults (68 per cent) having received one, and 46 per cent both.

Last week saw the highest number of vaccines administered so far at 351,000 doses.

While the publication of routine vaccine data was interrupted by the cyber-attack on HSE systems, newly released information gives an up-to-date picture on progress with inoculations.

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Almost everybody in the older age categories are now vaccinated, including 94 cent of those aged 80 and over, and 91 per cent of those aged 70-79, most of whom received the Pfizer jab. The percentages rise to 99 and 98 per cent respectively for those who are partially vaccinated in these age groups.

In the 60-69 year age group, just 43 per cent of the population is fully vaccinated, mainly due to long gaps initially required between two AstraZeneca doses, the vaccine overwhelmingly administered among that demographic. Some 93 per cent have had at least a first dose.

There had been some early concerns among recipients that they would be left partially vaccinated for a longer period of time than those receiving alternative vaccines. While this was based on medical advice, the recommendation changed due to the Delta variant and the perceived advantage of accelerating second doses to offer greater immunity.

A consequent revision of advice on spacing between AstraZeneca doses by the National Immunisation Advisory Committee (Niac) – moving from a 16-week interval down to just four – now means the remainder of those in the 60-69 year-old cohort will be vaccinated at an accelerated pace, with public health officials saying the programme is on track to conclude by July 12th.

Of those aged 50-59, who could register for vaccinations in early May, 78 per cent are now fully vaccinated and 90 per cent partially.

In the 40-49 year age group, less than one-third (28 per cent) are fully vaccinated since registration began in early June, although 79 per cent have received an initial dose.

In the 30-39 year age group, 19 per cent are fully vaccinated and 30 per cent partially vaccinated.

Among healthcare workers and at-risk groups, 15 per cent of 20-29 year olds are fully vaccinated and 21 per cent partially vaccinated.

An even smaller number of people in the 0-19 year age group have received vaccines (1 and 2 per cent).

Registration

On Friday, those aged 35 and over can register for vaccination through the normal HSE portal, but 18-34 year olds can begin registering through pharmacies following revised Niac recommendations on expanding both the AstraZeneca and the Janssen vaccines to younger cohorts. Normal vaccine registration on the HSE portal for those aged 30-34 will begin next Friday.

It is also estimated that mRNA vaccines will begin to become available for those aged 25-29 in early August and for 18-25 year olds from the middle of August, although political sources have indicated that much of the scheduling has yet to be fully worked out and is currently based on supply estimates.

To date, the total number of vaccine doses administered have totalled just over 4,236,000. Two-thirds of that total have been Pfizerwith 2,825,000 doses distributed. That is followed by AstraZeneca at almost 957,200 doses administered; Moderna at almost 382,000 doses given; and Janssen at 72,000.

With Janssen due to be administered to the 18-34 age group beginning on Monday, there are about 100,000 doses in storage, 40,000 in pharmacies, another 80,000 expected during the month and 280,000 in August. Another 35,000 AstraZeneca are expected next week and 37,000 the week after.