“This means just one admission to ICU was classified as a true breakthrough infection.”
Minister for Health Stephen Donnelly has said that only one Covid-19 patient admitted to an intensive care unit (ICU) over the three months ending in June had been fully vaccinated against the virus.
Donnelly added that this means only one admission to ICU had been a “true breakthrough infection” – citing the success of Ireland’s vaccination rollout programme as a reason.
“Our vaccination programme is moving at pace. Our vaccines are remarkably effective against severe illness,” he said.
“But, it is so important to get your second dose (of Pfizer, AstraZeneca, Moderna) and ensure you are fully protected.”
The Health Minister added that of the 124 patients admitted to ICU, some had received one dose of a two-shot vaccine.
“124 patients were admitted to ICU with Covid in the three months to the end of June. Some had received one of a two-dose vaccine,” he added.
“Just one patient was fully vaccinated/protected (14 days from 2nd dose). This means just 1 admission to ICU was classified as a true breakthrough infection.”
Ireland is currently the fastest country in the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) for Covid-19 vaccinations.
The country also ranks 12th in the 38 OECD member countries in terms of vaccines administered.
The figures, which compare the seven-day rolling average of the 38 countries in the OECD, show that Ireland, in the seven days up to 18 July, has been vaccinating 1.24% of the population per day, or 8.68% in the last week alone.
However, in spite of the success of the vaccine rollout, Ireland’s five day average of case numbers is now the highest it has been since 2 February. As of midnight on Sunday 18 July, the Department of Health has been notified of 1071 new cases of Covid-19.
Of the 1071 cases, 101 are in hospital and 20 are in intensive care units.
According to the Department, Daily case numbers may change due to future data review, validation and update.
It is the first time hospitalisations in the country have reached over 100 people in months, and the 14-day incidence is now the highest it’s been since 24 February at 231/100,000.
The five-day average is also 1,159 cases per day, the highest it’s been since 2 February.
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