'We’ll begin vaccinating in four days' says Health Minister as jab arrives in Ireland
The first doses of the Pfizer/BioNTech vaccine arriving in Ireland. Picture:@muirtheimhne/PA Wire
The first batch of Covid-19 vaccines has arrived in Ireland, with the Taoiseach labelling it a day "of great hope".
On what chief executive Paul Reid described as a “momentous day” the HSE said that doses are “being stored in ultra-low refrigeration conditions at a secure location” prior to the rollout vaccination programme.
Health Minister Stephen Donnelly, who stated on Twitter that the country is to begin vaccinating in four days, said the jab will save many lives.
“After a difficult and different Christmas for many people, it is wonderful to see the first deliveries of Covid-19 vaccines to Ireland today,” Mr Donnelly said. “The arrival of these vaccines to Ireland is a significant and positive step forward after a very challenging year. I want to acknowledge the hard work of teams in my Department, across government, the HSE and by several other stakeholders in getting us to this point.
“The Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine Comirnaty was rigorously tested by the European Medicines Agency and was found to be safe and effective. It is a massive achievement by the scientific and medical communities.
“The recent increase in cases focuses our collective minds on the continued challenge of Covid-19.,” Mr Donnelly added.
“The advent of safe and effective vaccines will help us to protect the most vulnerable in our society as we ramp up our immunisation programme over the coming weeks and months.
“While we look forward to a brighter year with the roll out of vaccines, we still need to be aware of the threat of Covid-19. Please continue to follow all public health guidance and remember that every contact counts”.
Mr Reid said that that vaccine was a “welcome sight” but he also urged people to continue to follow public health guidelines.
He said the vaccine “represents hope for us all as we move into a New Year, but we must remember, we all still have our part to play. Over the coming days HSE teams will work tirelessly with the support of Professor Brian MacCraith’s Taskforce to get vaccinations underway safely and speedily.
“The public can support our efforts by continuing to follow the public health guidance that has protected so many of us so far.”
Mr Reid said on Twitter that the jab means Ireland “can now have a ‘twin track’ approach” in response to the virus.
Its arrived! Taking delivery of the Pfizer BioNTech vaccine into our Cold Chain Storage this morning. We can now have a "twin track" approach to our response to #COVID19. Public health measures along with the vaccine, for a brighter future. @HSELive pic.twitter.com/hNzESqi0Wp
— Paul Reid (@paulreiddublin) December 26, 2020
“Public health measures along with the vaccine, for a brighter future,” Mr Reid added.
The Taoiseach described today as “a day of great hope” on Twitter.
Micheál Martin said: “Those who work in our health services deserve huge credit as they swiftly and safely begin the roll out to the most vulnerable in our society.”
Other European countries have also received their first shipments of the vaccine today.
The rollout marks a moment of hope for a region that includes some of the world’s earliest and worst-hit virus hot spots, including Italy and Spain, and others, such as the Czech Republic, that were spared the worst early on only to see their healthcare systems near breaking point in the autumn.
Altogether, the 27 EU member states have seen at least 16 million cases of coronavirus and more than 336,000 deaths.
Another health official warned that public advice would remain the same despite the arrival of the vaccine here.
Dr Colm Henry, Chief Clinical Officer of the HSE, said that there have been increases in community transmission and case numbers are continuing to rise.
“Please keep your guard up, keep your numbers of contact as low as possible, keep washing your hands and maintaining social distance.
“Avoid crowds, wear your face coverings, and try to meet people outside if you can, as indoor or unventilated spaces increase the risk of transmission.”
Yesterday, Cheif Medical Officer Dr Tony Holohan confirmed that the new UK variant of Covid-19 is present in Ireland.
1,025 new cases and two further deaths related to the virus were also confirmed.
Dr Tony Holoahn said that “further testing" is to be done to "establish the extent to which" the UK strain of the virus is present here.
"In the meantime, it is vitally important that we each stay at home, avoid social contact and avoid all forms of non-essential travel," said Dr Holohan.
“It is particularly important that those who have arrived from the UK strictly self-isolate for a full 14 days following arrival. They should not interact with others, visit others, socialise or go shopping. The HSE is making arrangements to test recent arrivals from the UK.
Meanwhile, Mr Martin earlier warned that there will be no return to normal life for at least another six months.
Micheál Martin has said it will be mid-June before the majority of people are vaccinated against Covid-19 and people can expect some level of restrictions until at least then.
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