Important vaccination update for SIPTU members.
Updated: 18:30
An important update was issued by the HSE this evening to confirm the next stage of the roll out of the vaccination programme.
A revised, more detailed sequencing document re priority HCW groups is available to read here
The sequencing document confirms priority is based on exposure and/or risk and not by grade or title.
More here…
SIPTU representatives met this week with the HSE to discuss the current standing of the vaccination programme and the roll out of vaccines to the healthcare workforce.
The following update was received:
- SIPTU representatives understand that 129,156 vaccines have been distributed to date through the hospital groups, this includes those distributed through the National Ambulance Service and the temporary clinics established for GPs.
- We understand a further 79,132 vaccines have been distributed through the Long-Term Residential Care settings.
- We have been advised dose two is being rolled out this week with 25,000 doses for people in Long-Term Residential Care settings with a further 22,000 doses for staff.
- SIPTU representatives raised concerns at the reported failure of the HSE to administer vaccines as per their own priority list issued on Tuesday 12th January 2021 and received an assurance the sequencing document for prioritising healthcare workers would be strictly adhered to upon the resumption of first dose vaccinations in the coming days.
- We repeated our request for a report on the vaccinations issued to date and compliance with the HSE sequencing document dated Tuesday 12th January 2021.
- SIPTU representatives were informed the expected supply of Astra-Zeneca vaccine will be applied to administer the first dose vaccine to the priority categories of frontline healthcare workforce awaiting same with effect from next week.
- The HSE has confirmed the delivery is expected this weekend and stated it will “greatly improve” the availability of the vaccine to the priority healthcare workforce.
- SIPTU understands approximately 20,000 doses are expected next week and further increases in delivery quantum are expected of Astra-Zeneca vaccine over the following weeks in February.
- The HSE has confirmed it expects the “vast bulk” of the priority healthcare workforce categories will receive their first dose vaccine by the end of February.
- We are awaiting further clarity on the dose interval for the next four weeks.
- The HSE has confirmed it will concentrate on completing first dose vaccination of the priority healthcare workforce categories starting from next week. SIPTU has been advised the HSE plan for next week includes approx. 8,000 vaccines for mental health and intellectual disability services.
- The HSE has also confirmed it is completing work on the commissioning of a Portal for registration for the vaccine. It is expected to be completed by the resumption of the first dose vaccines and it will have built-in priority allocation software which will allocate appointments as per the national sequencing document.
- SIPTU representatives are awaiting further information on the preparation for a Workforce Plan for the Community Vaccination Teams.
If members have any queries on the roll out of the vaccination programme please contact the union by emailing COVID19info@siptuhealth.ie
