Mary welcomes the update from Minister Donnelly on the Vaccine rollout this week:
Two Covid-19 vaccines have been approved for use in the European Union and a decision is expected on a third later this month. On January 12th the Minister received Cabinet approval to opt into another large purchase of BioNTech Pfizer vaccines.
The Government have, so far, opted into five Advance Purchase Agreements (APA) for vaccines and a process is in place to consider opting into a sixth APA (GSK/Sanofi Pasteur).
Under the current plan, based on what is currently known about supply, it is intended to vaccinate c.700,000 people by the end of March. The expectation is to receive approximately 3.7 million doses from April to the end of June and 3.8 million between July and the end of September.
It is important to stress that these projections and timelines are constantly evolving, as more vaccines are approved and delivery schedules finalised.
The administration of vaccines will be limited only by supply.
The vaccines will be used as soon after delivery as possible.
Following the initial phase, there will be a considerable scale-up in the roll-out of vaccinations. This will be achieved through partnerships with GPs, Pharmacists and ultimately delivered through Mass Vaccination Centres (MVCs).
Engagement with GPs and pharmacist representatives is advanced.
The HSE is also finalising plans to have GPs vaccinated.