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07th Dec 2021

Thousands of people missing booster vaccine appointments

Hugh Carr

people missing booster vaccine

Boosters are open for people over 60 and frontline healthcare workers.

Thousands of people have missed their appointment to receive their booster vaccines, the Taoiseach told the Dáil on Tuesday (7 December).

According to Micheál Martin, 208,000 appointments were offered to eligible people in the week beginning 22 November, but only 80,000 of those arrived to receive the booster.

180,000 appointments were offered last week, but 93,000 of those arrived.

Over 1,000,000 booster vaccines have already been administered to eligible people and those that are immunocompromised.

The Taoiseach once again stressed the importance of taking a booster vaccine when offered.

Martin had discussed the impact of vaccines on the public on Sunday (5 December), saying that unvaccinated people were presenting a risk to both themselves and others.

“We have done well relative to others, there’s a very good, strong booster campaign being administered now across the country,” he said.

“It’s really important that people take up the vaccinations, even those that haven’t taken a first or second dose. It is very important that they consider taking their first or second dose and that people take their booster when offered.

“We know now that the unvaccinated have a disproportionate impact on our health services, on our ICU beds.

“It’s as clear as daylight that you are taking real risks if you don’t get vaccinated, in terms of your own personal health and the health of others.”

The news come as new Covid restrictions are implemented nationwide as of Tuesday.

As of today, strict social distancing measures will be implemented in all bars and restaurants, including hotels, with the establishments to revert to the situation in place before 22 October.

These venues will still need to close by midnight.

Nightclubs will be closed again, and there will be a maximum of 50% capacity at indoor entertainment, cultural, community and sporting events, which must all be fully seated.