The Government is defending Ireland’s rollout of the Covid-19 vaccine.
It follows criticism over the much slower rate of vaccination, when compared to some other countries.
It comes as the first vaccines are administered in a Kilrush nursing home.
Between 35 to 40 thousand doses of the Pfizer vaccine will be administered in Ireland by the end of this week.
But with Denmark having already vaccinated more than 45 thousand people, there has been some criticism here, that we’re moving at a much slower rate.
Clare’s Fianna Fáil TD, Cathal Crowe is among those to raise concern, calling on his Government colleagues to ramp up delivery of the vaccine.
Health Minister Stephen Donnelly insists we’re going as fast as possible.
It comes as healthcare workers in Ennis have become some of the first in the country to be vaccinated against Covid-19.
Yesterday, the vaccine was administered to a number of frontline staff at Ennis General Hospital and it is planned initially to administer 50 doses per day to healthcare staff.
Advanced Nurse Practicioner at Ennis General Hospital, Sarah Watkins who was among them, says there’s now hope on the horizon.
She’s felt no side effects.
Regina House in Kilrush was the first nursing home in Clare to see residents and staff vaccinated this morning.
It’s being offered to 22 residents and 49 staff there today.
87-year-old Sheila Robertson was the first resident to get the jab this morning and she says she’s grateful.
The vaccine is scheduled to be administered to residents and staff at Ennistymon Community Hospital, St. Joseph’s Hospital in Ennis and Raheen Hospital, Tuamgraney, on the week starting January 18th.
Residents and staff in Clare’s privately-run nursing homes will also be offered the vaccine in the coming weeks.
