As a member of the Regional Group of TD’s we have called on the Government to immediately outline their contingency plan for the rollout of vaccines to older adults.
“This evening we have been informed that the HSE’s advice is that people over 70 years of age should get the Pfizer-BioNTech and Moderna Covid-19 vaccines, rather than the AstraZeneca vaccine”.
“Protecting our most vulnerable with the most effective vaccines is the ultimate goal, however the continuous lack of clarity on the vaccine rollout is a serious issue, as is the lack of information on projected delivery dates and quantities. Now we have more uncertainty”.
“HSE Chief Clinical Officer Dr. Colm Henry has confirmed that the Pfizer-BioNTech and Moderna vaccines afford greater protection for older people. He has also stated that the Pfizer vaccine will be administered by GPs but we need to know how and when this will commence. We need urgent clarification from the Government and the Minister for Health”.
“The Regional Group emphasises that this week opposition TDs were given no opportunity to directly question the Minister for Health on matters relating to the rollout of the vaccine even though assurances where previously given that there would be a weekly opportunity to do so”.
“The Government needs to immediately outline their contingency plan and provide clear and concise information in order to reduce any further anxiety for people awaiting vaccination. We also need assurances that there will be no further delays in the vaccine rollout process due to a lack of forward planning by the Government”.