Cathal Crowe (Clare, Fianna Fail)
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609. To ask the Minister for Health when general practitioners in County Clare can expect to be vaccinated against Covid-19; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2689/21]

Stephen Donnelly (Wicklow, Fianna Fail)
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The COVID-19 Vaccine Allocation Strategy was developed by the National Immunisation Advisory Committee (NIAC) and my Department, endorsed by the National Public Health Emergency Team (NPHET), to ensure that those most at risk receive the vaccine first.

The priority is to first vaccinate and protect the most vulnerable amongst us, that is, those most likely to have a poor outcome if they contract the virus, hence the initial focus is on the over 65 year old cohort in long term residential care facilities, and healthcare workers in frontline services often caring for the most vulnerable.

GPs and each member of their Practice Team are included in priority group 2 of the vaccine roll out, which has already commenced. Many GPs and practice team members have either received an appointment across a number of locations or have now received their first dose of the vaccine. The vaccination of practice teams will gather pace over the next number of weeks, prioritising GP’s and Practice Nurses followed by the wider practice team as vaccine becomes available.

Cathal Crowe (Clare, Fianna Fail)
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610. To ask the Minister for Health the reason Bantry General Hospital, County Cork, was in a position to vaccinate general practitioners in surrounding communities against Covid-19 but the same arrangements have not been put in place in the University Limerick Hospitals Group; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2690/21]

Stephen Donnelly (Wicklow, Fianna Fail)
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As this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond directly to the Deputy, as soon as possible.