Coronavirus Ireland: 576 new Covid-19 cases as millions of vaccines pre-ordered to prepare for booster shots

Out of those hospitalised, 16 are in ICU.

The numbers in ICU remain unchanged from yesterday while the number of people hospitalised is up by six.

A spokesperson for the Department of Health said: "Daily case numbers may change due to future data review, validation and update."

Earlier today, Minister for Health Stephen Donnelly urged the 30+ age group to register for a Covid-19 vaccination.

He tweeted: " COVIDVaccine registration is open for people aged 30+.Registration online is the easiest with your PPSN, Eircode, mobile number and email address. Registration remains open http://vaccine.hse.ie."

The Government has confirmed that millions of vaccine doses have been pre-ordered to prepare for the possibility of a third booster shot and jabs for younger people.

The country is getting ready to roll out more Covid vaccines if boosters are recommended by leading medics, the Sunday World has learned.

A Government spokesman said it was aware that a further shot may be in order, even for the double-vaccinated, in the months ahead.

It stands ready to implement any such decision and recommendation in time from the National Immunisation Advisory Council (Niac).

“We have a pre-purchase agreement for a large amount of Pfizer vaccine, running into millions of doses,” the spokesman said. “It will allow for booster shots, if recommended, and for special vaccines for younger people, which is also envisaged.”