A further 1,819 COVID cases have been announced this evening.

This morning, there were 206 coronavirus patients in hospital – the same number as yesterday and a 10% increase on last week.

There were 36 in intensive care, three more than yesterday and six more than last week.

The five-day moving average has increased to 1,702.

The five-day moving average in Ireland. Image: Newstalk

The Deputy Chief Medical Officer Dr Ronan Glynn encouraged parents to vaccinate their children when the portal opens for 12 to 15-years-old tomorrow.

“Vaccination, combined with basic public health measures, is the most effective way to protect the community against COVID-19,” he said.

“From tomorrow, registration for the COVID-19 vaccine programme opens for young people aged between 12 and 15 years of age.

“With over six million vaccine doses administered to date, each week we reach another important milestone in our journey out of this pandemic.”

Pregnancy

He encouraged pregnant people with concerns about the vaccine to talk to their doctor.

“Speak to your GP, obstetrician or midwife for guidance and for bespoke health advice for your pregnancy,” he said.

“Use trusted sources of information such as the HSE or Department of Health for the latest vaccine information.”

Mixing vaccines

It comes as a Liam Fanning, Professor of Immunovirology at UCC, said that Mixing COVID-19 vaccines makes perfect sense.

He was speaking as the Department of Health has sought legal advice on mixing vaccines made by different manufacturers.

In a statement on Tuesday, the World Health Organisation (WHO) said studies on heterologous vaccines - or 'mixing and matching' - are continuing.