Galway East TD Seán Canney has called on the Government to immediately outline their contingency plan for the rollout of vaccines to people over the age of 70.
The Independent TD made the call following advice issued by the HSE that people over 70 should get the Pfizer-BioNTech and Moderna Covid-19 vaccines, rather than the AstraZeneca vaccine.
“Protecting our most vulnerable with the most effective vaccines is the ultimate goal,” said Deputy Canney.
“However the continuous lack of clarity on the vaccine rollout is a serious issue, as is the lack of information on projected delivery dates and quantities.
“Now we have more uncertainty.”
Deputy Canney added that the HSE Chief Clinical Officer Dr Colm Henry confirmed the Pfizer-BioNTech and Moderna vaccines afford greater protection for older people.
The Pfizer vaccine will be administered by GPs – but the Galway TD says that ‘we need to know how and when this will commence’.
“We need urgent clarification from the Government and the Minister for Health.
“The Government needs to immediately outline their contingency plan and provide clear and concise information in order to reduce any further anxiety for people awaiting vaccination.
“We also need assurances that there will be no further delays in the vaccine rollout process due to a lack of forward planning by the Government,” he added.
