The more we hit milestones in the Covid-19 vaccination roll-out, the more we realise how far we have yet to go.

The rapidly spreading Delta variant has unsettled us again, sabotaging any notions we had of triumphing over the virus this summer.

As of yesterday, some 3.6 million vaccine doses have been administered here, leaving 2.3 million people partially covered and 1.3 million fully vaccinated. Two-thirds still have to be fully protected.

Over-70s and 80s

The most recent figures show that all people over 80 have received one vaccine and 93pc two doses. These are the most vulnerable to Covid-19. Among the over-70s, some 97pc had one dose and 78pc had two.

Sixty-somethings

This is the group who are still aggrieved at being told to take the AstraZeneca vaccine or go to the back of the queue. As of last week, just 14pc were fully vaccinated and 92pc got a first dose.

Due to the Delta variant, the 12-week gap between doses is being reduced to eight weeks, but this is still considered long for many of the 450,000 who need a second jab. It will be more than three more weeks before they all get a second dose.

Lucky 50s

People in their 50s drew a winning ticket in the Covid-19 vaccine lottery. Their vaccination began early and because they received mostly either the Pfizer, Moderna or Johnson & Johnson vaccine, some 28pc were fully vaccinated last week and that will have risen since. They have outpaced people in their 60s for full vaccination.

Forties and the finishing line

People in their 40s have received either the Pfizer or the Moderna vaccine so can expect their second dose 28 days after the first.

As of last week, 61pc had a first dose and 14pc were fully vaccinated.

Head start for people in their 30s

The portal opened for people aged 35 to 39 last Sunday.

Because more than 700,000 are in their 30s, some could wait up to four weeks to be called, but the aim is to have them fully vaccinated by the end of August. Before registration, around one in 10 already had two doses. They would have made up healthcare workers who got vaccinated because of their job and people with underlying conditions.

Twenty-somethings

The Delta variant remains a threat to younger age groups who are unvaccinated. Many people in their 20s here are working in jobs with a lot of people contact including the hospitality, tourist and retail sectors. Yet they will have to wait until possibly early August to be invited to book a vaccine, which will mean it will be the end of September before they have the two jabs.

18- to 20-year-olds

The HSE said this group, who include a lot of students, could be invited to apply some time in August, which means some could be vaccinated by late September. But this will probably drift into October.

Children

The case for vaccinating children is growing, particularly those with medical conditions and advice on this is expected soon.