15 frontline staff in Cork University Hospital have received the COVID19 vaccine today

They join 79 year old Annie Lynch from Dublin who was the first person in Ireland to be vaccinated against Covid-19 earlier this afternoon. 

Meanwhile a special cabinet meeting will take place tomorrow to discuss the Covid-19 crisis. 

It comes amid serious concern at the spread of the virus, and the rising number of hospitalisations. 

There are 409 people in hospital with the disease today, which is 141 more than three days ago. 

It's also the highest since May and more than any point during the second wave of the virus. 

Tony O'Brien, former director-general of the HSE, says it's extremely concerning.