Doctors’ Group Welcome “Historic” Community-Based Vaccination

THE start of community-based Covid-19 vaccination for elderly people in Clare who are 85 and older has been described as “historic” by a doctors’ group.

The Irish College of General Practitioners, the professional and training body for General Practitioners in Ireland, has welcomed the start of the next phase in the country’s Covid-19 vaccination programme, as GP-led clinics and GP practices begin the process of vaccinating their over 70’s patients around the county.

The Pfizer and Moderna vaccines will be administered by 70% of GPs and practice nurses in their own premises. Practices with less than 200 patients over 70 will either buddy with a nearby practice or invite their patients to vaccination centres.

Patients will be contacted directly for appointments by their own GPs.

Dr Nuala O’Connor, the ICGP’s Clinical Lead on Covid-19, said this is the start of the recovery from Covid-19 for many people, and is an historic moment.

“GPs look forward to vaccinating this cohort of patients, who are particularly vulnerable to Covid-19. This is a major exercise in vaccine delivery but we are very confident general practice can deliver safely and effectively.”

She added: “The mRNA vaccines will be delivered next week to over 85’s by GPs in more than 80 practices across 20 counties, and over 300 practices the following week.

“This is the first step in the three-week programme to deliver first vaccines to over 85’s. Patients are urged to wait to hear from their GP for their appointment time. Each practice will proceed to the 80-84 year age group once those over 85 have been vaccinated as soon as vaccine supplies are delivered.”