Clare’s Fine Gael Senator has warned that difficult decisions will have to be made in the coming year to bring society back to normality.
Martin Conway has expressed confidence in the Government’s plan for the roll-out of the covid-19 vaccine, which could include the use of vaccine certificates for large gatherings.
The Ennistymon Senator, who’s his party’s Seanad Spokesperson on Health insists no-one will be forced to take the vaccine, but he’s warning that for the most part, 2021 will not be a normal year.
If approved next week, as is expected, doses of the Pfizer-BioNTech will be used for the first COVID vaccinations in Ireland within the next fortnight.
Ahead of that, the Government has set out a three-stage plan for its rollout, starting in nursing homes and large hospital sites, with mass vaccination centres to be used when more doses become available.
Despite the fast pace of bringing the vaccine on stream, the Chief executive of the Health Products Regulatory Authority, Lorraine Nolan is insisting that no corners have been cut in the process.
Everyone who receives the vaccine will receive a certificate, and the government is working to figure out how this would work.
There are considerations that this cert could be needed to take a flight, or even to attend the likes of sporting events or concerts
Health Minister Stephen Donnelly says they’re still deciding what form the vaccine certs will take.
Clare’s Fine Gael Senator insists this system isn’t a de facto way of forcing people to take the covid-19 vaccine, acknowledging that some won’t want to and others may not be able to for medical reasons.
Martin Conway, who’s his party’s Seanad spokesperson on Health, says the imminent arrival of the vaccine is most welcome, but is warning that – for the most part – 2021 still won’t be a normal year.
