Pharmacists call for antigen tests to be subsidised

A spokeswoman for the HSE has confirmed that under its system of sending antigen tests to close contacts, it sent 51,660 kits with five tests in each between October 28 and Tuesday. File photo

Antigen tests should be subsidised and more information is needed to help people understand when to use them, the Irish Pharmacy Union has said.

There has been growing use of antigen tests following successful programmes in meat plants and education settings. Dermot Twomey, president of the Irish Pharmacy Union and a pharmacist in Cloyne, Co. Cork, said antigen tests are one tool to help avoid lockdowns.