Vulnerable and elderly people living in communities need some clarity regarding when they will be able to access the Covid-19 vaccine, Roscommon-Galway TD Michael Fitzmaurice has said.
The public representative was reacting to the slow roll-out of the programme in Ireland, and across the rest of Europe, this week.
Continuing, he said: “First of all, I believe the vaccination programme needs to be expediated. I agree that schools should remain closed until at least the end of the month to reduce the likelihood of a further spread.
“It is ironic however that the UK, which decided to leave the European Union, has more vaccinations administered to its citizens than the entire bloc of countries it is leaving.
“While there is a natural emphasis of rolling out the vaccine in nursing homes at present, other elderly or vulnerable people who are living out in the community may be keen to get the vaccine – but they are being left in the dark.
“These are people who may be depending on carers or family members to offer them support so they can remain living at home. They must also be afforded the opportunity to avail of the vaccine at the earliest possible convenience,” Fitzmaurice concluded.
Michael Fitzmaurice – 0861914565