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Vaccination for frontline health workers update
A Health Service Executive (HSE) Communication issued today (Wednesday, 28th February) on the vaccination for frontline healthcare workers who are new employees or have not yet been vaccinated.
The communication confirms:
- Covid-19 vaccines are available to all newly appointed Frontline Health Care Workers (FLHCW) or a FLHCW who has returned to the workplace and was not previously registered for Covid-19 vaccination on the Healthcare Worker Portal.
- If a FLHCW meets the criteria for the cohort (age groupings) currently eligible for registration on the public portal OR in a previous cohort i.e. age is greater than or equal to the category currently being registered, then they should register on the public portal for vaccination.
If a FLHCW aged less than the current group eligible for vaccination and has not yet received a Covid-19 vaccination, then the following process should be followed:
Contact only one of the email addresses listed below/in the attached communication i.e. the one which covers the area for your home address:
Cork, Kerry – Email here
Waterford, South Tipperary – Email here
Carlow, Wexford, Kilkenny – Email here
Dublin South, Dun Laoghaire-Rathdown, Wicklow – Email here
Dublin South West, Lucan, Saggart, Rathcoole and Kildare – Email here
Laois, Longford, Louth, Meath, Offaly, Westmeath – Email here
Dublin North City and County – Email here
In addition, as per sequencing schedule, please note the groups currently being vaccinated against COVID-19 are:
- people aged 65 years and older who live in long-term care facilities (group 1)
- frontline healthcare workers (group 2)
- people aged 70 and older living in the community (group 3)
- people aged 16 to 69 who are at very high risk (group 4)
- people aged 65 to 69, including those at high risk (groups 5 and 6)
- people aged 16 to 64 who are at high risk (group 7)
Since last Friday (23rd April) registration is open for people aged 60 to 69.
The HSE has advised it expects to increase daily appointments to approx. 20,000 per day from next week.
SIPTU understand 160,000 vaccines are due to be received from AstraZeneca on Friday and appointments for next week will be offered based on this delivery.
The HSE advised SIPTU representatives that it is meeting later today to consider the latest advice received from NIAC to include issues such as vaccination during pregnancy.
| We expect to receive further updates on this matter and encourage you to download the SIPTU Health Division App and subscribe for regular updates. |
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Your right to workplace health and safety
SIPTU Health Division members will remember all workers who’ve been killed or injured in work-related accidents on international workers’ memorial day, which takes place this Wednesday (28th, April). Along with trade unions across Europe, the Irish Congress of Trade Unions (ICTU) has adopting the theme ‘workplace health and safety – it’s your right’ to highlight the need for robust health and safety practices in all workplaces.
This year’s memorial day will feature a commemorative wreath-laying ceremony to remember all those who have been killed, injured, or made ill at work. An online event will be broadcast on ICTU’s social media platforms at noon on Wednesday.
Worker safety and health is everyone’s business and can only be tackled through a collaborative approach. New figures from the Health and Safety Authority show that there were 490 work related-deaths in Ireland between 2010 and 2019.
International workers’ memorial day presents an important opportunity to remember those who have lost their lives or sustained injuries at work, and place health and safety center stage in the workplace.
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Get retirement ready with Cornmarket
SIPTU Health Division members can tune into a FREE Retirement Planning webinar, hosted by Cornmarket exclusively for our members, on Wednesday 28th April from 5.00 p.m. – 6.30 p.m.
If you are planning to retire in the next couple of years, this event is for you! Click HERE.
The online information session will offer guidance on all aspects of retirement, from financial planning to taking care of your mental health during the transition. It will run for 90 minutes and will feature an interview with Brent Pope on the emotional impact of retirement and maintaining your wellbeing.
SIPTU Health Divisional Organiser, Kevin Figgis, will introduce the session and Cornmarket’s financial experts will talk about how to make your pension pot go further.
Registration for the event is free.
it’s never been more important, or easier, to get the protections and benefits of union membership. Encourage colleagues to join SIPTU Health Division HERE.
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HSE Update: Online vaccine registrations
From today, Thursday, 15 April, people aged between 65 and 69 can register for their COVID-19 vaccine online.
To avoid delays when we open registrations this week, we are asking people to register on different days depending on their age:
Registration dates and age groups
· Thursday, 15 April, people aged 69 should register
· Friday, 16 April – people aged 68 should register
· Saturday, 17 April – people aged 67 should register
· Sunday, 18 April – people aged 66 should register
· Monday, 19 April – people aged 65 should register
If you are a staff member in this age group and you haven’t already registered for your vaccine then you too can register this week.
Register here for your vaccine
Online registration – information for patients and service users
People in this age group who are registering online will need their Personal Public Service Number (PPSN), their Eircode, an email address or a mobile phone number.
A friend or family member can help If someone is finding it difficult to go online and register or they can ring HSELive for support on 1850 24 1850 or 01 240 8787 from 8am to 8pm, 7 days.
Once registered the person will receive their vaccine appointment for the Vaxzevria® vaccine (also known as AstraZeneca) from Thursday, 22 April.
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Vaccination update for SIPTU members
SIPTU representatives today (Wednesday, 14th April) met representatives of the HSE National Vaccination Team for an update on the progress of the national vaccination plan.
At the meeting, HSE representatives confirmed that National Immunisation Advisory Committee (NIAC) advice states the AstraZeneca vaccine should only be given to people between 60 and 69 years old.
AstraZeneca was being used for Category 4 (People aged 16-69 with a medical condition that puts them at very high risk of severe disease and death) and remaining health care workers (HCWs)
Arising from this decision, SIPTU representatives understand all AstraZeneca vaccination clinics have been cancelled for this week and revised arrangements will be published.
SIPTU representatives were told that approximately 810,000 doses of AstraZeneca will be received between April and end of June 2021. Initially, these doses will be used for Category 4 people aged between 60-69 years old.
SIPTU representatives were advised 660,000 Pfizer vaccines would be received in April and that an IT Portal will open for people aged 65-69 years old this week.
The Portal will issue appointments to the nearest vaccination centre for the address given by the registrant. We understand it will be expanded to other categories as soon as possible. It is likely the next age category will be 60-64.
SIPTU representatives were advised people aged between 60-69 years old in Category 4 will be given an AstraZeneca vaccine. SIPTU were informed registrants will be advised on the appointment system and it will be the AstraZeneca vaccine they will be given. SIPTU understands a choice of vaccine will not be offered.
SIPTU was advised that approximately 150,000 healthcare workers (HCWs) have received a first dose vaccine to date and that a HCW who has received a first dose AstraZeneca vaccine will be offered a second dose vaccine of the same brand.
The HSE stated the gap between vaccines has been changed on clinical advice and HCWs under 60 years old will have a gap of 16 weeks. Those over 60 years of age will have a gap between vaccines of 12 weeks.
There is no clarity yet to confirm what option for vaccine will be available to HCWs aged under 60 years of age, or remaining Category 4, who have not yet been vaccinated.
SIPTU representatives understand this is being reviewed currently and we are awaiting developments.
SIPTU representatives were advised the expected delivery of vaccine from Johnson & Johnson (J&J) is now not due to arrive as it is being withheld by the manufacturer. It was expected 14,000 doses would be received this week. This is now not the case and further developments are expected. The J&J vaccine is a one dose vaccine.
In the immediate term, SIPTU understands most available Pfizer vaccines will be used to complete Category 3 (people aged 70 and older) of the sequencing document. These vaccines will be administered by GPs in the community and the National Ambulance Service for house-bound people.
SIPTU representatives did raise concerns with the lack of communication from the HSE to their staff on the recent changes to the vaccine programme, with specific reference to healthcare workers who have been vaccinated or are yet to be vaccinated. This point was accepted.
SIPTU representatives were advised our members concerns would be raised with national health officials with a view of such a communication document being developed. Parties agreed to re-engage next week on updates and ongoing issues.
If you would like to contact the union about your experience please email ask@siptuhealth.ie
To subscribe for these updates please click here
The current order in which people in Ireland will be vaccinated against COVID-19
(Category 1) People aged 65 years and older who are residents of long-term care facilities (likely to include all staff and residents on site)
(Category 2) Frontline healthcare workers
(Category 3) People aged 70 and older
(Category 4) People aged 16-69 with a medical condition that puts them at very high risk of severe disease and death
(Category 5) People aged 65-69 whose underlying condition puts them at a high risk of severe disease and death
(Category 6) Other people aged 65-69, other healthcare workers not in direct patient contact, and key workers essential to the vaccine programme
(Category 7) People aged 16-64 who have an underlying condition that puts them at high risk of severe disease and death
(Category 8) Residents of long-term care facilities aged 18-64
(Category 9) People aged 18-64 living or working in crowded settings
(Category 10) Key workers in essential jobs who cannot avoid a high risk of exposure.
(Category 11) People working in education sector
(Category 12) People aged 55-64
(Category 13) Other workers in occupations important to the functioning of society
(Category 14) Other people aged 18-54
(Category 15) People aged under 18 and pregnant women
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SIPTU criticises response from health minister regarding student radiographers
SIPTU representatives have today (Thursday, 25th March) written to the Minister for Health, Stephen Donnelly, criticising his refusal to meet student radiographers and expressing extreme disappointment over his lack of commitment to address any of the serious concerns over clinical placements during the pandemic.
SIPTU Industrial Organiser, John McCamley, said: “The response from the Minister’s office is not acceptable. Student radiographers over the last year have put their lives at risk carry out frontline work for no financial reward and to be left high and dry by the Minister is completely shocking. It is scandalous that up to 400 student radiographers continue to make an essential contribution to the health service and are not being recognised for their work.
“The reality is that clinical placements involve direct patient care and assisting qualified radiographers in hospital X-ray departments and theatres. The pandemic has exacerbated the challenges faced by student radiographers. Due to fears of cross-contamination, lockdowns and public health restrictions many students are unable to earn any income by working part-time, causing them further financial difficulties. Student radiographers with no choice but to self-isolate have to make up the time later in the year. They are not entitled to sick pay or any of the other protections enjoyed by directly employed health staff even though they face many of the same challenges and risks as other frontline workers.”
He added: “At a very minimum, student radiographers should be treated like other student groups carrying out clinical placements in the health service. SIPTU representatives are again calling on the Minister to address the issues and concerns of student radiographers as a matter of priority.”
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COVID-19 Vaccine Staff Update on AstraZeneca vaccine
A decision has been made to temporarily defer administration of the AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccine. As many of you, our frontline healthcare workers have received the AstraZeneca vaccine the HSE have prepared the following information for you.
The HSE have advised that the deferral is being put in place as a precautionary step, while further information about some reported adverse events is reviewed by the EMA, the European Medicines Agency.
As more information is available, the HSE have advises that they will keep all health workers informed.
Questions and Answers from the HSE
Why has the use of AstraZeneca Vaccine been temporarily deferred?
Following a new safety alert received late on 13th March (from Norway), and pending receipt of further information from the EMA, as a precaution, the National Immunisation Advisory Committee (NIAC) have recommended a temporary deferral of administration of COVID-19 Vaccine AstraZeneca® in Ireland.
Pending further advice, the use of AstraZeneca vaccine will be temporarily deferred for the week commencing the 14th March 2021.
The alert originated from the Norwegian Medicines Agency following four new reports of serious rare clotting, or thromboembolic, events, including some complicated by low platelet levels, or thrombocytopenia, in younger adults. These occurred after vaccination with COVID 19 Vaccine AstraZeneca. At this time, no link between the events and the vaccine have been confirmed.
The EMA is already investigating a number of reports of thromboembolic events from the AstraZeneca Vaccine and a report is expected over the coming days.
EMA information from 12th March was that the number of clotting or thromboembolic events in vaccinated people is no higher than the number seen in the general population. As of 10 March 2021, 30 cases of thromboembolic events had been reported among close to 5 million people vaccinated with COVID-19 Vaccine AstraZeneca® in the European Economic Area.
This vaccine along with the others, is a very important tool in our fight against COVID-19 disease.
What should I do if I have an appointment today or in the next few days to receive COVID-19 Vaccine AstraZeneca® vaccine?
You should not attend your appointment for COVID-19 Vaccine AstraZeneca® until you receive further contact from the HSE about the resumption of the programme.
You should continue to follow all COVID-19 precautions in the meantime.
Any appointments for a first or second dose of Pfizer or Moderna COVID-19 vaccine can still go ahead as they are not included in this safety alert. This includes appointments for people aged 70 and over who are being vaccinated by GPs.
What about my second dose of COVID-19 Vaccine AstraZeneca® vaccine?
The recommended dose interval between the first and second dose of COVID-19 Vaccine AstraZeneca® is 12 weeks. There are no appointments scheduled for second doses at the present time. Further information will be provided about second doses as soon as it is available
What should I do if I have already received COVID-19 Vaccine AstraZeneca® vaccine?
The events reported are very rare, and we do not know if they are caused by the vaccine. This vaccine is a very important tool in our fight against COVID-19 disease.
We know that side effects of COVID-19 Vaccine AstraZeneca® can occur within the first couple of days after receiving the vaccine.
After the AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccine, more than 1 in 10 people may experience:
· feeling tired
· tenderness, bruising, pain, redness or itching in the arm where they
· had the vaccine injection
· headache
· muscle pain
· joint pain
· nausea, diarrhoea or vomiting
· fever (temperature of 38 degrees Celsius or above)
More than 1 in 100 people may have redness or swelling where they had the injection.
It’s common to develop a fever (temperature of 38 degrees Celsius or above) after any vaccination. This usually happens within 2 days (48 hours) of getting the vaccine. It usually goes away within 2 days.
If you feel uncomfortable, take paracetamol or ibuprofen following the instructions on the box or leaflet.
What if I still feel unwell more than 3 days after my vaccine?
People who have received the COVID-19 Vaccine AstraZeneca® and feel increasingly unwell for more than three days after vaccination, and/or who notice larger or smaller blue spots in the skin (purpuric, non-blanching rash, skin haemorrhages) should consult a doctor or out-of-hours medical service.
The rare events that have been reported have usually occurred within 14 days of receiving the vaccine. And, it’s important to remember that there is no proven link between these events and the vaccine at this time.
What else should we remember?
COVID-19 is a serious disease which has caused significant disease and death across the world including Ireland. COVID-19 vaccines have been developed and authorised for use after rigorous testing and have a favourable safety profile.
More than 100,000 doses of COVID-19 Vaccine AstraZeneca® have been used in Ireland so far, mainly in frontline healthcare workers, and we can already see the significant reduction in cases of COVID-19 disease in this group after the vaccine programme.
What are the next steps?
Further information is expected from the EMA in the next few days, which will include a review of these additional events. This information will be reviewed by NIAC and further advice on the programme will be issued following this. The HSE has committed to keeping members updated and share information as it is available.
Read the Statement from the National Immunisation Advisory Committee (NIAC)
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Podcast: Labour Court to issue recommendations within 10 working days
Listen back to SIPTU Health Division Organiser, Paul Bell on the Michael Reade Show discussing the outcome of Labour Court hearing aimed at resolving the dispute for support staff and chefs. Download the full show here.
