The National Immunisation Advisory Committee is being accused of time wasting, over its decision about booster vaccines for healthcare workers.
It's meeting this afternoon to consider whether healthcare workers should receive the ‘top up’ covid jab.
Around 3,500 healthcare workers are currently out of work because of covid.
That is almost double the figure when compared to ten days ago.
It’s anticipated NIAC will approve a booster jab for these staff following a meeting this afternoon.
Read our advice to help you decide about getting a COVID-19 vaccine if you are pregnant, trying for a baby or if you're thinking of getting pregnant in the future ➡ https://t.co/d3yDGDUYmL#COVIDVaccines | #ForUsAll pic.twitter.com/47MsTZEDWN
— HSE Ireland (@HSELive) November 1, 2021
This Is Simply Timewasting - INMO
But Phil Ni Sheaghda from the Irish Nurses and Midwives Organisation says it shouldn’t have taken this long.
"Services have to be curtailed if you can't provide them because the staff simply aren't there."
"This is avoidable, in that vaccines are available."
"There are ample people in vaccination teams to administer them."
"We believe this is simply just wasting time."
Immunology professor Kingston Mills agrees.
"If we don't vaccinate the healthcare workers soon we'll have even greater problems soon."
"So it's absolutely imperative that NIAC makes that decision."
We are conducting planned, essential updates to our vaccination & computing software today. Our #COVIDVaccine centres are closed, and you will not be able to register for your vaccine as we carry out these updates. Services will resume fully tomorrow. Thank you for your patience. pic.twitter.com/L58z6eCgSO
— HSE Ireland (@HSELive) November 1, 2021
Centres Closed For System Updates
Meanwhile those over the age of 60 will start receiving their covid booster from this week.
As a result all vaccine centres will be closed today as the system gets ready to deal with the new programme.
Vaccines are still available via GPs and pharmacies and full service will resume tomorrow.
