CSO data has revealed that only 4% of children between five and 11 in Buncrana, Donegal are fully vaccinated against COVID-19.
Nationwide the figure stands at 21% but there are large variations across different parts of the country; other areas with low vaccination rates include Carndonagh in Donegal (5%), Belmullet in Mayo (7%) and Monaghan (8%).
Stillorgan in Dublin is the area with the highest percentage of vaccinated children at 54%; nearby Blackrock also has a high number of vaccinated children (49%), as does Glencullen-Sandyford (48%).
Dr Denis McCauley, Chairman of the GP Committee of the Irish Medical Organisation, said that vaccinating children without any health issues was “always going to be a hard sell anyway” and that is far more important that Ireland has a high vaccination rate among adults:
“The vaccine uptake in the at-risk groups… all over the country was excellent,” he told Newstalk Breakfast.
“I think there isn’t anywhere in the 70-79 group that didn’t achieve [a vaccination rate of] 99% - which is much more important.”
He also said that the risk of children catching COVID-19 is so low that the practical effect on transmission of the virus is “sort of marginal”.
A child receives a COVID-19 vaccine shot. (Photo by Anthony Behar/Sipa USA)Booster shots
In April, Minister for Health Stephen Donnelly approved NIAC’s recommendation that over 65s be given a second booster shot - or fourth dose of the COVID-19 vaccine.
All those over 60 became eligible on the 10th August and Dr Colm Henry, HSE Chief Clinical Office said, “We are putting the most recent vaccine advice into action and inviting new groups of people for their next booster.
“I encourage everyone aged 60 and over and pregnant women, to get their next booster dose.
“It will give you ongoing protection from serious illness, and increase your immunity against infection from COVID-19, which we know tends to reduce after a period of months following your last vaccine.”
Main image: A child getting a vaccine shot at the doctor's office. Picture by: Roman Lacheev / Alamy Stock Photo
