2nd July 2021
In an interview on Morning Ireland this morning, Minister for Health Stephen Donnelly TD announced a significant change in the Irish vaccine rollout plan, following discussions with the National Immunisation Advisory Committee (NIAC).
We would like to make members aware of the following key developments.
A new twin-track vaccine rollout plan will be operational from next Monday. This will enable individuals aged between 18 and 34 to get the Johnson and Johnson vaccine at their local pharmacy, with some 750 pharmacies participating in the new scheme. This new twin track approach will work alongside the current online portal, which opens up next Friday for the 30 – 34 age cohort.
The INTO encourages members in these age cohorts to utilise this new twin-track approach to secure their vaccination over the summer period.
More information will be added to the COVID-19 Support Hub on the INTO website when it becomes available.
This union has regularly called for a parallel vaccination programme to ensure all teachers who wish to be vaccinated are in a position to access a vaccination before the return of Schools in September. Last week, the union wrote to the Taoiseach, Minister Foley, Minister Donnelly, NPHET, NIAC, and the HSE to press home our case for expedited vaccination for those under 35. This message was echoed in meetings the INTO held with departmental officials over the last week and was also raised directly with government by the Irish Congress of Trade Unions.
We will continue to closely monitor the evolving situation with respect to vaccination over the coming weeks.