HSE Midwest Community Healthcare is urging 18 to 34-year-olds not to book appointments for a vaccine with multiple pharmacies.
The vaccination programme steps up a gear today, as a number of restrictions are also eased.
Ten pharmacies in Clare have begun administering the single-shot Janssen vaccine to the 18 to 34-year-old age cohort today, as Clare FM’s Brian McLoughlin reports.
Clare Pharmacies say they’ve been inundated with calls from 18 to 34 year olds hoping to book an appointment for a Janssen vaccine.
The National Immunisation Advisory Committee has recommended that young people get a mRNA vaccine, but as of today the option is open to that age cohort to get the single shot jab at pharmacies instead.
The HSE asking people to book in advance so pharmacies will be able to plan accordingly and reduce the risk of any wastage.
The Janssen vaccine is available at ten pharmacies in Clare and Chief Pharmacist with HSE Midwest Community Healthcare, Louisa Power says people shouldn’t try to book multiple appointments.
120 thousand single-shot Johnson and Johnson jabs are being distributed nationwide, as part of a ramping up of the country’s vaccination effort, which could lead to all adults being protected against coronavirus as early as the end of August.
Rochford’s Pharmacy in Ennis is one of the ten in Clare taking part in the programme and Pharmacist Cronan Quirke says their supply is limited.
Meanwhile, people who are fully vaccinated against Covid can meet in homes from today with no limit on numbers.
It’s one of a number of restrictions being eased.
200 people are now allowed at outdoor events, while outdoor venues with a capacity of over 5,000 can let 500 people in – and 50 guests can attend wedding receptions.
Immunologist Professor Luke O’Neill says those who are fully vaccinated should still be responsible though, when meeting indoors.
