Pop-up COVID-19 Vaccination Clinics opening

The HSE are opening free pop-up walk-in COVID-19 vaccination clinics in Cavan over the coming weeks for people who have not yet had their first or second dose of COVID-19 vaccine.

The pop-up walk-in vaccination clinics will provide first or second doses only. There are no booster doses at walk-in clinics for over 60’s. These are by appointment only in the Cavan Vaccination Centre or via your GP.

These additional clinics will take place at Bailieborough and Ballyjamesduff. The first is at Bailieborough Health Centre, Kells Road, Bailieborough, Co. Cavan: The pop-up clinic in Bailieborough will take place on Saturday 13th and Sunday 14th of November from 12 noon to 6pm on both days.

The second is at the Old Courthouse, Stradone Street, Ballyjamesduff, Co. Cavan: The pop-up clinic in Ballyjamesduff will take place on Saturday 20th and Sunday 21st of November from 12 noon to 6pm on both days.

Those who attend can get their first or second dose of COVID-19 vaccine without an appointment at the walk-in clinics. If attending for a first vaccine without already registering for the vaccine online, people will need to bring: Personal Public Service (PPS) number, mobile phone number; and photo ID with date of birth.

The walk-in vaccination clinic is open for people aged 12 and older, children aged 12 to 15 must attend with their parent or guardian.

Dr Augustine Pereira, Director of Public Health North East, said this action comes as infections are on the rise: “COVID-19 remains widespread in our communities in Cavan, and it continues to present a high risk for our vulnerable population, particularly those in our hospitals, nursing homes and long-term care facilities. The community transmission relates to cases and outbreaks associated with social interactions and gatherings.”

“This latest surge of COVID-19 infections in the community is putting greater pressure on our health services across the region. As our health services continue to treat a significant number of patients with COVID-19, it is essential, now more than ever, that we play our part to bring the infection rates down to suppress the spread of this virus.”

Dr Pereira told how vaccines are providing effective protection against serious illness from COVID-19: “If you haven't had your vaccine yet, you are at higher risk of becoming serious ill, particularly people with underlying health conditions. If you haven’t received your COVID-19 vaccine, or someone in your network has yet to do so, they can to come to the walk-in vaccination centres or talk to their GP or Pharmacist some of whom are giving COVID-19 vaccines.”

“We are urging people to get their second dose of the vaccine, providing it has been 21 days or more since their first dose. Every COVID-19 vaccine makes a difference and we thank everyone who has already had their COVID-19 vaccine,” he told.

Dr Pereira added: “I am appealing to the people of Cavan to keep your guard up and adhere to the public health guidelines - wear a face covering, observe hand and respiratory etiquette, practice social distancing and attention to maintain good ventilation. If you display cold or flu symptoms like cough, fever, headache, sore throat and blocked or runny nose, self-isolate immediately and arrange a free PCR test through the HSE as soon as possible.”

Cara O’ Neill, CHO1 COVID-19 Vaccination Lead and Head of Health and Wellbeing spoke of the importance of continued support for the vaccine programme: “We have made great progress in combating COVID-19 this year, but unfortunately cases remain high in some areas. We’re also aware that the uptake of the vaccine remains lower in a number of electoral areas in Cavan. Just think if you get your first and second vaccine in November/early December you will be fully protected in advance of the Christmas season. Vaccines are working and helping to prevent severe illness across Ireland.”

Chief Executive of Cavan County Council Mr Tommy Ryan also spoke of the stall in the level of vaccine uptake: “While vaccine uptake in the community has been strong in County Cavan, there remain significant numbers who have not yet availed of this vaccine, or who have had just one shot and are therefore not fully protected against COVID-19. These pop-up walk-in vaccination clinics in Bailieborough and Ballyjamesduff represent an excellent additional opportunity for people across the county to access this vaccine and join the majority of the population in ensuring they are protected against serious illness from COVID-19.”

In addition to the pop-up clinics this weekend and next weekend, people who would like to get their COVID-19 vaccine can: Register online or by phone. People can register online at hse.ie for an appointment at the Cavan Vaccination Centre if aged 16 or over. Parents of 12-15 year olds can register their children. Or call HSELive on 1800 700 700 for a vaccination centre appointment.

Participating Pharmacies and GPs: There are now more pharmacies and GPs offering vaccines to people aged 12 and over. There is a list of pharmacies giving the free COVID-19 vaccine in Cavan on hse.ie.

Walk-in Clinics at the Cavan Vaccination Centre: There are walk-in vaccination clinics at the Cavan Vaccination Centre, Hotel Kilmore. The details of the dates and times are listed on hse.ie and are updated weekly. This week there are clinics on: Friday 12th November, 1:30pm to 4pm and Saturday 13th November, 1:30pm to 4pm