The number of people availing of walk-in appointments for the Covid-19 vaccine more than doubled at the Clare vaccination centre over the Bank Holiday Weekend.
There were increased clinics in the region in recent days as part of efforst to bring covid cases under control.
The Health Minister says a national effort is now needed.
Figures from the UL Hospitals Group, which have just been released, show 85 people attended the clinic at Treacy’s West County Hotel on Sunday last, compared to 32 on the Saturday of the previous weekend.
Across the Midwest, six clinics were in operation between Saturday and Monday, compared to four the previous weekend.
The overall number attending across Clare, Limerick and North Tipperary over the three days last weekend stood at 489, compared to 191 over two days the week before.
The extra clinics came onstream amid concern over the high incidence of the virus within the community.
The are more than 50 people being treated for the virus at University Hospital Limerick on Monday, according to the latest available figures, with 10 in intensive care.
Nationally, there are 503 people in hospital with covid, with 101 of them are intensive care.
This prompted Senior Ministers to hold a meeting with health officials, including the Chief Medical Officer, last night to discuss the situation.
There was no suggestion to reintroduce any covid restrictions but there was an acknowledgement the situation is serious.
Speaking on his way into Cabinet Health Minister Stephen Donnelly says people need to be vigilant.
Minister Donnelly also said along with personal responsibility – businesses need to make sure premises aren’t overcrowded and sanitisers are easily available.
He also urged any businesses who aren’t checking covid certs properly to do so to keep people safe.
