Future of vaccine centre uncertain
UPTAKE 677 children (5-11)receive jab
The future of Cavan’s COVID-19 vaccination centre isn’t yet known but the rollout of vaccines to the county’s five to 11 year old continues.
The Government last week removed the requirement for vaccine passports to access hospitality services. Some feel this could lead to a drop in the number of people coming forward for vaccines.
First opened in March 2021, Cavan’s vaccine centre at the Hotel Kilmore has played a key role in the rollout of the vaccine programme in the county.
However, a decision is yet to be made on the future role, if any, vaccine centres will play. One proposal is the provision of COVID-19 vaccines along with the annual flu vaccine through GPs and pharmacies.
Vaccination Lead for the CHO1 area Cara O’Neill confirms: “That’s being considered by the national taskforce and also by the national vaccination programme in the HSE.”
Efforts are underway locally to encourage uptake of the vaccine in the five to 11 age cohort. Figures released by the HSE show 677 children in this age group have received their vaccine at the Cavan centre.
Staff were dressed in superhero costumes when the Celt visited the centre last Friday. Manager of the Cavan centre, Eddie Ward, says the move was a conscious decision made by staff to increase uptake and make it a more enjoyable for children, who in some cases are going through their first experience of vaccination.
Children can pose for photographs and place a wish on the wishing tree, created by local artist Heather Brett, after they receive their dose.
There was a slow stream of parents and children through the doors on Friday afternoon. Parental concerns around giving such a new vaccine to children have been raised.
“The vaccine for children is the Pfizer vaccine. It’s a lower dose vaccine. It has been approved by the European Medicines Agency, it’s been recommended by NIAC (National Immunisation Advisory Committee). It’s a safe and very effective vaccine,” assures Ms O’Neill.
“Our vaccination programme is our biggest weapon against COVID-19. It’s going to continue. We’ve still got a lot more work to do, especially in our hard to reach communities so we’re going to be focusing on those particular groups.”