Pharmacies reach 250,000 COVID-19 vaccine milestone

• Almost 15,000 in 12-15 age group vaccinated in a pharmacy

1 September 2021 Irish pharmacies have now administered over a quarter of a million COVID-19 vaccines, the Irish Pharmacy Union (IPU) has confirmed, including 14,650 vaccinations in the 12-15 age group. remain. With schools re-opening after the summer holidays and strong availability of Pfizer vaccines in pharmacies, pharmacies are available to vaccinate people in the community aged 12 and above who are looking to get vaccinated.

IPU President Dermot Twomey commended the role played by pharmacies in the vaccine rollout, “Pharmacies across Ireland have proven their immense value to their communities by their success in the vaccination programme. Since the first vaccines were approved, we have been calling for them to be available in pharmacies and, when called upon by the HSE, the community pharmacy sector has delivered and will continue to do so.

“The demand for vaccines in pharmacies amongst the younger cohort has been exceptional, with pharmacists administering vaccines to over 50,000 people between the ages of 12 and 19.”

“Pharmacies have made excellent progress across all age groups, with over 170,000 people between the ages of 20 and 39 receiving a vaccine in a pharmacy. The high demand to date amongst younger age groups has highlighted the advantages of community pharmacy involvement in the vaccination programme. Getting vaccinated in your local pharmacy is convenient for people in terms of travel and time required. This is particularly the case for many young people, particularly those in school or third level education who might find it difficult to travel to a vaccine centre.”

With 992 pharmacies currently offering the Pfizer vaccine, the IPU has reiterated that people can book an appointment directly with their local pharmacy and attend at a set time. “The rising number of cases of the Delta variant means that there is an increased need for pharmacy vaccinations to continue, particularly in relation to younger age groups as they return to school.”.”

Dermot Twomey concluded “the gradual return to normality has come about thanks to the success of the vaccine rollout, helped by the participation of pharmacies across the country. Pharmacies are delighted to be playing a central role in the vaccine rollout.”