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Immunovirology expert Liam Fanning has predicted that "some time in August" Ireland will "get on top" of the surge in Delta cases.
The professor of immunovirology at UCC told Newstalk Breakfast that within two to three weeks there will be a decrease in case numbers.
The ongoing rollout of the vaccination programme, especially in the 18-24 cohort will increase immunity, but he warned that “a watching brief” will be necessary on the spread of the virus.
Prof Fanning pointed out that in Scotland the trajectory of Delta cases rose and then decreased "swiftly" and he expected there would be a similar "window" in Ireland with two to three weeks of "see-sawing" admissions to hospital.
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The increase in the numbers vaccinated will tip the balance in favour of Ireland, he added.
The data from hospital admissions among the younger age group indicated that such patients were fitter and therefore would not become as ill as Covid patients in the past, but he warned that there was still a concern about transmission especially to vulnerable vaccinated individuals such as transplant patients.
Ultimately, the issue was there was great protection from vaccines against hospitalisation and death, he said.
“This wave is not going to be like previous waves.”