GPs 'must plan for 10% rise in demand for covid-19 vaccines,' says HSE

Each HSE region will have at least two vaccination teams that will offer vaccines to groups including hospital patients and residents in nursing homes or disability centres. File picture

The HSE has told GPs to expect a 10% increase in demand for covid-19 vaccines compared to last winter amid rising case numbers.

On Wednesday, there were 292 people in hospital with the virus, including 13 in intensive care units, although this is down on numbers seen in August.

A booster campaign is set to be rolled out in early October with a vaccine against flu also being given. Most vaccines are expected to be given by GPs and pharmacists, the HSE said in a circular, with large vaccination centres not to be re-opened this winter. 

“Based on trends in uptake rates to date, it is estimated that GPs should plan for an increase in demand of approximately 10% compared to last winter for covid-19 boosters,” Geraldine Crowley, Assistant National Director Enhanced Community Care Programme & Primary Care Contract, wrote to GPs.

Each HSE region will also have at least two vaccination teams. These will offer vaccines to groups including hospital patients and residents in nursing homes or disability centres. Small pop-up clinics may be used if required.

The Department of Health urged eligible people to get vaccinated. “Immunity wanes over time and vaccination remains our best protection against severe complications from covid-19 infection as well as other infections like flu," a spokesman said. 

The department said the HSE has made changes to “move its testing programme towards a longer-term, sustainable model in which covid-19 is managed for public health and clinical purposes. This is similar to the model that exists for other respiratory diseases.” 

RSV

Meanwhile, it appears a feared rapid rise in RSV infection cases is not yet happening. Cases of this virus, which particularly affects young children and the elderly, rose rapidly in early autumn last year, peaking in November. 

“This shift in RSV seasonality has, to date, not been observed this year. Notified RSV cases are currently being reported at very low levels,” a department spokesman said. 

The department has sought advice from the National Immunisation Advisory Committee (NIAC) around the potential use of vaccines against this virus.