Defence Forces withdraw from vaccination centre
Tributes paid to members who supported vaccine campaign
A special recognition event was held last week to pay tribute to members of the Defence Force whose assignment to the Cavan COVID-19 Vaccination Centre ended on Friday, February 4.
The Defence Forces from the 27 Infantry Battalion based at Dundalk have supported the vaccination programme throughout key periods in 2021/2 .
Members were primarily involved in logistics and pharmacy support but their roles varied during their time at the centre.
Operational site manager, Eddie Ward, said Defence Force personnel left a lasting impression on staff and will be greatly missed: “There is a mutual understanding and respect between vaccination centre staff and the Defence Forces about each other’s roles. I’d like to thank the Defence Forces for their immense contribution towards the success of the COVID-19 vaccination programme.
"Great friendships and bonds of respect have been formed here at the centre. The Defence Forces were absolutely superb. Their level of professionalism and commitment to the vaccination programme impressed every member of staff.”
Mr Ward also said the Defence Forces need to be credited, in particular, for their contribution towards the success of the children’s vaccination programme. “They were so warm and attentive to those with additional needs and the most vulnerable in our society. They threw themselves head, heart and soul into the vaccination programme, and really engaged with the children attending for their vaccination. They were instrumental with the success of the 5-11 year olds vaccination programme success.”
At the Recognition Event, Defence Force members were each presented with a specially commissioned rainbow pen. The pens were handcrafted in County Cavan.
The inscription says: 'In recognition of your service as a member of the Defence Forces at the HSE Covid Vaccination Centre Cavan, 2022.'
CHO 1 Lead for COVID-19 Vaccination Programme and CHO 1 Head of Service for Health and Wellbeing, Cara O’Neill, said: “We will never be able to fully express our gratitude to the Defence Forces for coming to our aid during the pandemic. Their contribution has been immeasurable and we wish them all the very best in the future.”
A spokesperson for the Defence Forces said: “The role played by the Irish Defence Forces in the inter-agency response to the Covid pandemic has allowed us to show our capabilities and showcase our ability to respond at short notice to crises on island. As an organisation we are extremely adept at offering the flexibility and agility required when unexpected situations arise.
"For those Irish citizens who do not know what it is exactly that we do, our visibility and presence at test centres and especially at vaccination centres provides tangible evidence of the significant role we have played whilst also maintaining a significant overseas commitment.”