Teachta Tully reported that:
“A number of GP practices in Cavan-Monaghan did not receive their GP vaccine allocation for people 85 years and over on time which was to be sorted out last week.
“However, Swanlinbar which only has a locum doctor at present, has been left in a position where it is unable to proceed with vaccinations as a nurse needs to be hired to assist with vaccinations and the practice must also have a defibrillator, which currently it does not.
“These are issues which should have been foreseen. They should be easy to rectify now at this stage and it is beyond me why it is taking so long to do so.
“While some areas received an overallocation of the vaccine other areas still have none. This needs to be addressed urgently.
“For example, it was reported that Sneem in Co. Kerry was allocated with 300 vaccine doses on the 19th February, three full weeks ago, and they have been able to vaccinate everyone in the 70 and over age cohort.
“I am delighted for the people in Sneem and good luck to them but it is a disgrace that three full weeks after Sneem was allocated enough of the vaccine to vaccinate everyone 70 and over the GP practice in Swanlinbar has not yet been allocated any for those 85 and over.
“I have contacted the HSE in regard to this issue and have also brought it to the attention of my colleague and party spokesperson on Health David Cullinane TD who has subsequently raised it with Minister Donnelly.
“If anyone who should have received a date for their vaccine but has not please get in contact with me on 049-4373510 or Pauline.Tully@oireachtas.ie.
