The Government is also looking at the possibility of vaccinating people aged 12 to 15 during the autumn.
Everyone over the age of 16 in Ireland is set to be vaccinated by the end of September, Cabinet was told on Tuesday evening.
The government is also said to be looking at the possibility of vaccinating those aged 12 to 15 during the autumn.
The Department of Health is also examining the possibility of offering booster jabs during autumn and winter to vulnerable groups such as older people and those with underlying health conditions.
Ministers were told that anyone aged over 16 that wants the jab will be able to be vaccinated by the end of September, a spokesman for the government confirmed.
It comes following increasing concerns over the highly-transmissible Delta Covid-19 variant as Deputy Chief Medical Officer Dr Ronan Glynn said that the variant is now accounting for 80% of the cases reported in Ireland.
He said on Tuesday: “This is a challenge that is facing all of Europe, but we know that the basic public health measures still work against this variant.
“Please continue to avoid crowds, wear a mask, manage your contacts, keep your distance, meet outdoors where possible and if indoors, ensure that the room is well ventilated.
“With incidence of the disease continuing to increase, the rapid identification of cases and outbreaks of Covid-19 is essential. We are asking anyone diagnosed with Covid-19 to work with our contact tracers to identify all of your close contacts so that they, their families and colleagues can be protected.
“If you know you are a close contact of someone with Covid-19, or if you have any symptoms, stay at home and organise a free test as soon as possible.”
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