Vaccine centres to open fully

AstraZeneca vaccine to be limited to over 60s

Plans are at an “advanced stage” for the full opening of vaccination centres at Hotel Kilmore in Cavan and Hillgrove Hotel in Monaghan starting next week.

Both sites began vaccinating early last month, but the pace at which jabs were administered was dictated by supply and the availability of qualified staff. The HSE now says the date assigned for the opening of both centres is Monday next week, April 19. The "on schedule" report comes despite the the National Immunisation Advisory Committee (NIAC) recommending on Monday evening last that the AstraZeneca vaccine be limited to people over 60 years of age.

Nationally, the HSE is assessing the impact of the advice, and cancelled planned immunisation clinics in several areas across the country yesterday (Tuesday).

Most people under 60, who have already received their first dose of AstraZeneca vaccine, will still receive their second dose as planned.

However, in future AstraZeneca vaccines will limited for people aged 60 to 69 years.

Meanwhile, it has been revealed by the Department of Defence that, at the request of the HSE, the Defence Forces have provided a range of non clinical and administrative supports in a number of residential care home facilities in Cavan.

A total of eight “man-days” worth of cover were provided over the past 12 months in the county.

The Defence Forces Joint Task Force is based in McKee Barracks in Dublin. Its priority is to provide support to the HSE, while retaining, at all times, a contingent capacity to provide aid to the Civil Power support.