The HSE's chief executive has said Ireland ranks third highest in the EU when it comes to the rollout of the Covid-19 vaccine.
The position is determined based on how many people in every one hundred people have received a dose of the vaccine.
Currently, Ireland is just behind Malta and Denmark said Mr Reid, adding we are "well above" the EU average.
He said there is a very “exciting” week ahead in terms of the volume and mix of jabs, including Pfizer, Modern and AstraZeneca, confirming 243,000 doses have now been administered in the State, including 154,900 first doses and 88,453 second doses.
The next cohort of the population to be vaccinated will be those over the age of 70, who will be invited by GPs to receive the jab from next week.
Frontline healthcare workers are currently being vaccinated using AstraZeneca, as well as the National Ambulance Service and members of Dublin Fire Services who operate in Covid-facing environments, Mr Reid said, adding the vaccination of GPs will continue over the weekend at four sites across Portlaoise, Galway, Dublin and Sligo.
He assured where people do not have transport to get to vaccination locations, the HSE will work with local authorities, Civil Defence, and the Defence Forces to address these situations as they arise and confirmed work is also continuing on mass vaccination centres.
Positive trends
Overall, Mr Reid noted positive trends are being seen in terms of the daily numbers of Covid cases, but said high levels of transmission remain, adding high risk still remains.
Speaking at today's HSE media briefing, Mr Reid said the hospital system is “beginning to see further good trends and relief for the healthcare system overall”.
The number of people being treated for the virus in hospitals has dropped below 1,000 at 984, but that is 100 more than at the peak of the first wave in April (880).
He cautioned the country remains in national surge mode.
“We’re not at normal levels yet, but I think it is providing great relief for everybody,” he said.
