Clare’s main vaccination centre remains on track to open as planned this month, despite disruption to the rollout of the vaccine.
The operation of vaccination centres across the country was deferred today, due to a decision to limit the AstraZeneca vaccine to over 60s.
At yesterday’s montly meeting of Clare County Council, the UL Hospitals Group confirmed details of the opening of the Clare vaccination centre, but just hours later, doubt was cast over the rollout of the vaccination programme.
The National Immunisation Advisory Committee has recommended that no-one under the age of 60 should use the AstraZeneca jab due to blood clot fears.
It resulted in the cancellation of all AstraZeneca vaccination clinics due to take place today.
Around 600 vaccinations were due to take place at the Radisson Blu Hotel on Clare’s border with Limerick and those people are being contacted directly to re-arrange their appointment.
It was feared this could lead to the deferral of the opening of the clinic at Treacy’s West County Hotel in Ennis, but The UL Hospitals Group’s Chief Clinical Director, Professor Brian Lennihan says as it stands, it remains on track to open as planned on April 26th, as the AstraZeneca vaccine is still recommended for the 65 to 69 year old age cohort, who are the first in line to receive the jab when the centre opens.
An Ennis GP has expressed surprise at the decision to limit the AstraZeneca Vaccine to the over 60’s.
There has only been one reported case of rare blood clotting linked to the jab in Ireland so far, in a 40 year old woman who is recovering and it remains unclear why it’s happening in younger people.
Dr Maire Finn believes limiting the jab to the over 60s is extremely cautious, but acknowledges that the decision has been made in the interest of public safety.
She says while the move could be to the detriment of rolling out the vaccine quickly, it’s better to be overly cautious than damage public perception of any vaccine programme.
A Clare Health campaigner has hit out over what he’s described as the drip-feed of information into the public domain prior to an offical announcement.
John Wall from Quin, who has terminal cancer has received his first dose of the AstraZeneca vaccine and was among those waiting for clarity once details began to emerge yesterday evening.
He insists that communications will have to be improved in order for people to maintian confidence in the progamme.
The Tanaiste meanwhile has moved to reassure people over the safety of the jab saying he would personally take it if offered.
Leo Varadkar says we’ll know in a few days if the country can still vaccinate 80 per cent of the adult population by June, following the new advice.
Leo Varadkar believes health officials made the right call in limiting the vaccine.
