Further frustration is being expressed in Clare over the delay in administering the Covid-19 vaccine to housebound patients.
The family of a 100 year old West Clare woman have become the latest to speak out about their frustration of a lack of communication on when she will be vaccinated against the virus.
It comes as 120 people are receiving their first dose of the Astrazeneca vaccine at the Clare Vaccination Centre, which has opened its doors in Ennis for the first time today.
Margaret Morgan from Kilmurry McMahon turns 101 on June 1st, a key target date for her family who are hoping she will be fully protected by then to allow her celebrate the landmark occasion.
But even though over 1.2 million doses of the vaccine have been administered to date, Margaret isn’t among them and she still has no date on when that might change.
Margaret’s daughter Peggy has told Clare FM’s Morning Focus that she’s disappointed and upset, especially given the fact that both she and her mother’s carers have already received their jab.
The National Ambulance Service has been tasked with delivering and administering the innoculation to those who are housebound and in response to a query from Clare FM, the HSE has said it can’t comment on individual cases.
The health service has confirmed that there are around 1,500 people in the same position across the country – there’s no figure for Clare.
Despite these issues, a Clare government TD has said he thinks the system of vaccinating housebound people against COVID-19 is working effectively for many.
Meelick-based Fianna Fail Deputy Cathal Crowe says it’s important families weigh up options with their GP to assess the best method of vaccination for housebound relatives.
Seperately today, some 120 people are receiving their first dose of the AstraZeneca vaccine at Clare’s newly-opened Vaccination Clinic today.
The unit at Treacy’s West County will firstly cater for poeple aged from 65 to 69.
Lisdoonvarna-native nurse Catherine Fogarty is one of those who is administering the vaccine there today.
She says it’s an honour to be working as part of the rollout of the vaccine and her experience so far has been that most people are both thankful and relieved.
