Action is being taken to combat the Delta variant.

The National Immunisation Advisory Committee has recommended that both the AstraZeneca and Janssen vaccines can be administered to those under 40, as of yesterday (Monday, June 28th).

Janssen (the European equivalent of Johnson & Johnson) requires only one shot. The NIAC has further recommended that the waiting period between doses of AstraZeneca be halved from eight weeks to four.

This approach should allow Ireland to avail of a surplus in both vaccines almost immediately. RTÉ has reported that pharmacies have access to as many as 60,000 Janssen vaccines, but have been unable to offer them to anyone under 50.

The change in attitude comes amid a sharp increase in cases caused by the Delta variant of Covid-19, which is believed to pose more of a risk to young people than previous iterations of the virus.

It is expected that the government will announce a decision on indoor hospitality today, with reports suggesting that indoor drinks and dining may be permitted for those who can prove that they have been fully vaccinated. NPHET, however, have advised that indoor hospitality remain closed.

305 cases of Covid-19 were reported in Ireland yesterday, with 16 people in the ICU.