Flu and covid cases are expected be significantly higher in the coming weeks as we socialise over Christmas.
The HSE is urging people to ensure they are up to date with their booster jabs, especially healthcare workers, the over 50's and anyone over 12 with an underlying health condition or who are immunocompromised.
Chief Clinical Officer with the HSE Colm Henry says vaccination will help protect the most vulnerable.
"We're beginnin to see a further rise in hospitals COVID cases. So none of this is a surprise. We see this in winter where the viruses transmit easily, they tend to circulate more easily when people congregate indoors when there's cold weather.
"Among the really effective things people can do is ensure they're up to date with their vaccination for influenza and for COVID."
