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Booster vaccination welcome: rollout must be expedited

Wednesday September 8, 2021

8th September 2021: Nursing Homes Ireland welcomes announcement by Government today regarding NIAC recommendation for Covid19 booster vaccine to be rolled out for nursing home residents. Tadhg Daly, NHI CEO states: “Today’s announcement is very welcome and will bring relief to nursing home residents, with recent studies highlighting the protection offered by the vaccine decreases significantly a number of months after it has been administered. NHI commenced engagement in July with Government Ministers, the HSE and the National Immunisation Office regarding rollout of a booster vaccination programme for nursing home residents. Today’s announcement is very welcome, with spread of the virus within our communities posing a continuing threat to nursing home residents. Clarity is required regarding the status for residents in nursing homes who are under 65 years of age, together with Healthcare Workers, who were excluded from today’s announcement. Clarity will be sought by NHI. Now that NIAC has delivered its recommendation, there is requirement to expedite rollout of the booster vaccine to the 30,000 residents in nursing homes across the country. We must ensure any additional protection required for residents is administered ahead of the winter period. NHI will engage with the health authorities to support efficient and effective rollout.”

NHI CEO Tadhg Daly is available for further comment. Media interviews will be facilitated by Michael McGlynn, NHI Communications and Research Executive, who can be contacted at 087 9082970.