The top stories you can't miss this morning
At Home: Vaccination rates in pregnant women are "lower than expected"
Health authorities are concerned about the low vaccination rates in pregnant women.
It is understood that the rates are "lower than expected".
Between 25% and 40% of expectant mothers have availed of the free Covid-19 vaccine.
Health officials have stressed that it is safe for pregnant people to get the Covid-19 vaccine.
Pop-up vaccination clinics have opened in the country's maternity hospitals to encourage expectant-mums to get the vaccine as cases continue to rise.
Gardaí urged people not to purchase fake Covid passes online
Gardaí are urging people not to buy fake Covid passes online.
It is understood that fake Covid certificates are being advertised on social media following the Government's extension of Covid measures.
A source told
The Independent, “To be in a possession of such an item is a criminal offence under the Theft and Fraud Offences Act. This means that to produce anything forged in order to induce someone to accept it as a legitimate document is a crime,” the source explained.
Anyone who is caught with a fake Covid-19 pass could be fined up to €2000 or face time in prison
Calls for blood donors as stock reaches low supply
The Irish Blood Transfusion Service has called on the public to donate blood as stocks reach a concerning low.
It is believed their current stock will only last for another three days.
Blood donors have been asked to make an appointment at their nearest blood donation clinic.
The IBTS said the pandemic has had an impact on donations.
Donors have been asked to help support the health service by booking an appointment. The low supply has been caused by both the Covid-19 pandemic and increased demand in blood supply during the summer months.
World: FDA panel approves Pfizer vaccine for children aged 5 and up
The Pfizer vaccine has been approved for children aged 5 and up by the FDA panel.
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention advisory boards decided that the benefits of vaccinating children aged between 5 and 11 are far stronger than the risks.
Trials confirmed one dose of the Pfizer vaccine was safe and 90% effective in children.
The vaccine now awaits further approval from both the FDA and CDC, but both agencies are likely to agree with the panels' decision.
Over 28 million children in this cohort are expected to be vaccinated if approved.
Vaccination could begin as soon as early November.
Celebrity: Ed Sheeran confirms his daughter has tested positive for Covid-19
Ed Sheeran has confirmed his baby girl has tested positive for Covid-19.
The dad tested positive for the virus last week.
He said they are both isolating at home, away from his wife Cherry Seaborn.
The Bad Habits singer shared: “I’m self-isolating with my daughter. I have been alone with her, without my wife, since we are both positive. I am now going to spend 10 days alone with her.”
The dad said there is a plus side to isolation: “Sometimes I am away and spend just two days a week with her, so being able to be with her for 10 straight days is great.”
