Mary Harney (Dublin Mid West, Independent)

We have 615,000 vaccines at present and from their arrival at the port until we can get them to the HSE clinic or to general practice takes about two weeks. From next week it is hoped to start with infants between six months and four years, preschool children and health care workers. After that the focus will be on the over 65s and school children, with the rest of the population coming after that. It could be up to eight months before we get to everyone. It depends on the take up and the speed with which we get stocks of vaccine.

The vaccine is being delivered by United Drug Distributors cold store, which has huge experience of delivering to pharmacies. There might be issues about when people signed up. Initially the date was 9 October, extended to 14 October. Vaccines have gone to 1,500 sites, covering more than 2,000 GPs. I met the team last night and I understand some doctors will get vaccines today and tomorrow and as quickly as they can physically get out them out, they will do so.

I am not in a position to advise pregnant women because I am not a clinician. The College of Obstetrics has advised on the matter but I would advice pregnant women to consult their GPs for advice.

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