Pharmacies join the fight
COVID Vaccines to be delivered to pharmacies this week
By Gemma Good
Many pharmacies across County Cavan will be receiving deliveries of the COVID-19 vaccine this week as the vaccination programme ramps up.
Paul McDaid of McDaid Pharmacies is delighted to announce that its pharmacies in Cavan Town and Kilnaleck in County Cavan; Granard in County Longford, and Clones and Monaghan have been selected to receive the vaccine.
“We’re delighted.. It’s great to be able to give that service back to the community and to be able to contribute to the fight against Covid,” Paul told the Celt this week.
The delivery of 50 Johnson and Johnson vaccines is due in the Cavan store on Thursday, with plans to start vaccinating on Friday, starting with those aged over 50 years who have not yet received their first jab.
“Some stores have staggered delivery dates depending on which counties, but all stores will be vaccinating at the latest on Monday,” Paul assured.
The McDaid Pharmacy booking system went live yesterday (Tuesday), June 15. People can book online or by telephoning the pharmacy directly.
“We’re trialling an online booking system with our Cavan store. If you’re not comfortable booking online, just give us a telephone call and we’ll book it online for you,” he said.
Those over the age of fifty can apply to receive their vaccination in pharmacies.
"That will change,” Paul assured that this is a temporary measure by the HSE to ensure those who missed their vaccination appointment now have the opportunity to receive it.
Vaccinations must be used within three hours to avoid wastage.
“Once we open one vile, we must have five people on site within those three hours to minimise any waste,” Paul explained.
“It’s very important if people make their appointment, that they do arrive and arrive on time.”
He explained that, if people do not show, there will be a reserve list.
“We’re setting up a Covid enquiry form on our website as well so that people can register their interest,” he said and, if these people meet the criteria to receive the vaccine, they will be called.
“The main objective is to get people vaccinated but avoid any wastage.”
Paul is a fully qualified vaccinator who has been vaccinating for the past 10 years. He has undergone additional online training to be eligible to deliver the COVID-19 vaccine.
“It’s been an intense couple of weeks trying to get prepared.”
No payment is required when people get their vaccination in a pharmacy as it will be subsidised by the HSE. Those vaccinated will receive a vaccination record card, which is stamped and signed.
“That will be their proof of vaccination,” Paul said. Information such as aftercare will also be provided.
He explained not all pharmacies will be receiving a delivery of the vaccine as there was a “rigorous” application process to ensure pharmacies could deliver the vaccine “in a safe and efficient manner".
McDaid’s are due to receive a delivery of the Pfizer vaccine to their Granard store. Paul hopes this will arrive later this month.
He praised the Health Service Executive (HSE), the Irish Pharmacy Union (IPU) and the Pharmaceutical Society of Ireland PSI on their work in getting the vaccination to people “as fast as possible".
Vaccination appointments can be booked through the McDaid's website https://www.mcdaidpharmacy.ie/ or by telephoning their individual stores.
ASK YOUR LOCAL PHARMACIST
- "Yes, we're due to get our delivery on Thursday of this week... We are intending on running a clinic on week mornings," said Maria O'Reilly of Haven Pharmacy Cavan. The vaccination clinic at Haven Pharmacy will be from 10am to 12.30, commencing next Wednesday (June 23).
"We hope that we would have been involved at an earlier stage so it's nice to be getting to the point where we can get involved and help out people in our local community."
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- "We actually told the HSE not to send us out the vaccine," Eva Walsh of Callans Pharmacy Kingscourt said. She explained they would have given out the vaccine "no bother" if the age limit was lower.
"Most over fifties are vaccinated now."
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- The vaccine will be provided in McCrystals Pharmacy Cootehill, CarePlus Pharmacy Cootehill and McCrystals StayWell Pharmacy Virginia, Pharmacist Conor McCrystal is happy to report.
"We're delighted, we've been looking to give out the vaccine since the turn of the year. "It'll suit a lot more people if they can get it in their own town. We're happy to provide that service."
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- "We are going to be delivering the vaccine," said Karl Kelly from Boots Cavan. Appointments can be booked online as of yesterday (Tuesday) online at:
Customers will be required to fill out a pre-consultation form, after which they can book their appointment.