IPU welcomes Minister’s announcement on pharmacy vaccinations

The Irish Pharmacy Union (IPU) has welcomed the announcement by Minister for Health Stephen Donnelly that community pharmacies will commence administering Covid-19 vaccines this month.

The Minster’s announcement, made while speaking in the Seanad yesterday evening, follows months of campaigning from the IPU to “utilise the capacity and expertise of pharmacists”.

IPU Secretary General Mr Darragh O’Loughlin said: “We are pleased that many of Ireland’s 1,800 community pharmacies will now finally be included in this vital public health effort. As the pace of the vaccine rollout continues to increase the inclusion of community pharmacies will significantly country’s administration capacity.

“Over half of the population live within one kilometre of a pharmacy and 85 per cent live within 5km. Utilising community pharmacies will allow many people the option of receiving their vaccines in their local community. This will eliminate the need for potentially long trips to vaccine centres and allow for a more convenient and efficient experience for the recipients.

“Pharmacists are trained, experienced and ready to start vaccinating in every town, village and community around the country. We eagerly await the formal details from the HSE that we hope will allow pharmacy vaccinations to start without any further delay.”