"Covid really isn't over"
Only 1 in 4 children are vaccinated against Covid-19 in Ireland.
The HSE has expressed its concerns about the low uptake of the vaccine.
It was forced to give away over 300,000 vaccines because of the low demand.
The Irish Sun revealed that 312,000 were given away.
Speaking to the publication, Professor Anthony Staines said cases are bound to spike this winter.
There were over 2,000 cases confirmed just this past week alone.
He admitted that the Covid-19 situation is far worse than people realise.
"Looking at just the health services, there’s an awful lot of people out sick with Covid at any given time.
"There’s great pressure on staffing in schools, there are teachers out sick, students are sick, it’s not a great situation to be in.
“Covid really isn’t over no matter what anyone says about it," he added.
The HSE has urged the public to get vaccinated against Covid-19 before the winter.
Children aged 5 and older can get the vaccine. However, a parent or legal guardian needs to give consent if their child is under 16.
Children aged between 5 and 11 will be given the Pfizer Covid-19 vaccine. However, they will be given a smaller dose than adults.
You can book a vaccine appointment with your GP or local pharmacy.
Children with underlying conditions should also get the vaccine. Any child with a weak immune system should also avail of the vaccine.
You can read more about the Covid-19 vaccine and children
here.
