'Beacon of light': Covid-19 vaccinations to begin in nursing homes on Monday 

The HSE hopes to have residents at all 580 nursing homes in the country vaccinated by the end of February. Picture: Getty Images

A Covid-19 vaccination programme for Ireland's nursing home residents is set to begin next week but residents who test positive for Covid-19 will have their vaccination appointments deferred for up to four weeks.

The Health Service Executive hopes to have residents at all 580 nursing homes in the country vaccinated by the end of February.