A new milestone was reached this week in Ireland, where over 72.5% of the population has already been fully vaccinated (two doses). This figure now exceeds that of the United Kingdom (until now Europe’s best performer). For the Irish government: slowing down is out of the question. He hopes to reach 90% within a month… and achieve herd immunity.
Will herd immunity soon be achieved?
Since the start of the pandemic, Ireland has experienced it all. Between strict confinements and outbreaks… In less than a year, the country had gone from Covid-19 good student to very bad student… even though it was perceived as the strictest country in Europe in terms of sanitary and containment rules.
But now it seems that the country is in control. Despite a timid start to its vaccination campaign, the Emerald Isle has probably found the accelerator pedal.
As a result, new vaccination centers have sprung up all over the island. And now the Irish are flocking to get their injections. In the centers, the whole population seems to be concerned. Young and old alike are queuing up, and the trend is towards benevolence and civic-mindedness… to such an extent that doubt, or outright refusal of the vaccine, has been minimal, and has met with little objection within the country.
Against this backdrop of solidarity, the figures speak for themselves: just under 90% of the adult population in Ireland has now received at least one injection (offering substantial protection) and 72.5% are fully vaccinated.
According to projections by the Irish Department of Health, over 90% of the adult population should have received their 2 doses within a month. This could potentially lead to the famous concept of “herd immunity”.
According to the specialists, this figure will have to be reached if we are to protect ourselves against the damaging effects of Covid-19, and in particular Variant Delta, which is currently as contagious as chickenpox.
Prime Minister Michael Martin has spoken out on the subject, suggesting a gradual exit from the crisis. For him, the worst of the battle is over. We’ll have to remain vigilant in winter 2021… But 2022 could well offer Ireland a real return to normality.
Fingers crossed.
More news
