Light At The End Of The Tunnel As Covid Vaccine Plan Announced

A little bit of hope!

History was made today as we had the first Irish person to receive the Covid-19 vaccine. 79 year old grandmother of 10, Annie Lynch from the Liberties in Dublin was the first Irish person to receive this jab at 1-20pm in St James' Hospital, Dublin.  See more here. And here.

But, now the big question will be, when will the rest of the population be vaccinated?

Professor Brian MacCraith of the vaccine taskforce spoke to Morning Ireland. He said, "It'll be down to the manufacturing success of the companies, the delivery schedules". 

Dr MacCraith added, "But certainly if all things come to pass, one would be looking at that (August)".

Here is a rundown for when you can be expected to receive the vaccine, depending on your age group.

The Vaccine Rollout: Who's first?

The first four groups that are prioritised in the plan are:

• Adults over 65 in long term care facilities
• Frontline healthcare workers in direct contact with patients
• Adults aged 70 and over
• Other healthcare workers not in direct contact with patients

Once Ireland's most vulnerable and healthcare workers are vaccinated, the plan is to adminster the jab to the more general public. Older people will again be prioritised.

Who's next?

• Adults aged 65 to 69
• Key workers (Not clearly defined yet)
• Vulnerable adults aged between 18 and 64 with medical conditions
• Resident of long-term care facilities aged between 18 and 64
• Adults aged between 18 and 64 who live in crowded accomodation
• Key workers in essential jobs who can't avoid a high risk of exposure
• Those who are essential to education

Once they are all vaccinated, the vaccine will be administered to the following:

• Adults aged between 55 and 64
• People in third level institutes, entertainment and goods producing industries
• Adults aged between 18 and 64 who haven't yet received the vaccine
• Children & teenagers up to 18 years of age
• Pregnant women

More information on the Covid-19 Vaccine Rollout Plan in Ireland here.