1,903 new Covid cases reported as CMO says vaccines preventing “2,700 cases per week per million population”

"Ireland’s vaccination programme is currently preventing at least 2,700 cases per week per million population," the CMO said.

There have been 1,903 new cases of Covid-19 reported in Ireland. The figures released from the Department of Health on Thursday did not contain information regarding deaths related to Covid-19. The Department of Health's statement said that the number of daily cases may also change due to future data validation. As of 8am on Thursday, 219 Covid-19 patients are hospitalised, of which 37 are in ICU.

As of midnight, Wednesday 11 August, we are reporting 1,903* confirmed cases of #COVID19.

As of 8am today, 219 COVID-19 patients are hospitalised, of which 37 are in ICU. *Daily case numbers may change due to future data validation. — Department of Health (@roinnslainte) August 12, 2021

In a statement on Thursday evening, Chief Medical Officer (CMO) Dr Tony Holohan said that Covid-19 vaccines are about 80% effective at preventing symptomatic Covid-19 disease and that they provide around 95% protection against hospitalisation. "This protection against severe disease holds up even in the context of the Delta variant," the CMO said. "Ireland’s vaccination programme is currently preventing at least 2,700 cases per week per million population. "The Covid-19 vaccination programme has shown not only the best of scientific and medical endeavour, but also commendable solidarity by those who have come forward to receive a vaccine for the good of themselves and their wider community. “While uptake has been fantastic, there are some who have not yet taken the opportunity to get protected through vaccination. For those who remain unsure, have questions or concerns, please access trusted sources of information like your GP, pharmacist and hse.ie."

"Ireland’s vaccination programme is currently preventing at least 2,700 cases per week per million population.#ForUsAll

— Dr Tony Holohan (@CMOIreland) August 12, 2021

During a HSE briefing on Thursday afternoon, HSE CEO Paul Reid said that 12-15 year-olds will begin to be vaccinated as early as this weekend, following the HSE vaccine portal opening for the cohort on Wednesday evening. "Very encouragingly by mid-morning this morning, over 42,000 children of age 12-15 have been registered on the online system," the HSE chief said. "This is likely to be the last of the age groups for which we open registration during this campaign and that's a remarkable position that we now find ourselves in."