There are 1,335 new confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Ireland today, the Department of Health has confirmed. 

The number represents an increase of 172 on the previous day’s figure. 

There are also 282 people currently in hospital with COVID-19, of whom 65 are currently in ICU. 

The five-day moving average of cases stands at 1,342.

The figures come just before people who are immunocompromised are offered a third shot of the COVID-19 vaccine. 

From Wednesday 29th onwards, people eligible for the top up dose will be contacted and appointments will begin on Friday. 

However, the HSE says this does not mark the beginning of their booster campaign for the general population.

Instead, it is just to help people with reduced immunity levels - such as cancer patients or people prescribed certain medications - maintain the required level of immunity. 

These are described as a "third primary dose" and will use either the Pfizer or Moderna vaccines.

By contrast, most people require only two doses - or just one in the case of those who receive the Johnson & Johnson vaccine. 

Booster shots will later be offered to everyone over 65 living in a care home facility and anyone over 80 living at home. 

The doses will help combat waning immunity among the most vulnerable and will be offered at least six months after the administration of the second shot. 

EU regulators are currently combing through data to help them decide on further eligibility for the booster shot. 

However, the World Health Organization has urged the Irish Government to hold off on any booster campaign, insisting that priority should be given to developing countries with much lower vaccination rates than Ireland. 

Speaking to Newstalk, Dr David Nabarro said: 

"If rich countries are just buying all the vaccine and storing it up for boosters this winter, that actually is taking the vaccine away from the poor countries.

"So the real thing that we want rich countries to do is just not to do booster shots - not now and not for a few months - until poor countries have been able to get a vaccine.”

Main image: A man is tested for coronavirus Picture by: Sam Boal/Rollingnews.ie