First vaccinations for older people in Belmullet commence
ON Tuesday, 100-year-old Mary Philbin, a native of Rossport, Ballina, and Michael Gaughan, a native of Mullaghroe in Blacksod and most recently Shore Road, Belmullet, were two of all residents and staff in Aras Deirbhle Community Nursing Unit, Belmullet, and Belmullet District Hospital to receive the Covid-19 vaccine.
On receiving the Pfizer vaccine, Michael said: “I am delighted to get the vaccine – it is the beginning of the end of the virus and I feel so much better.”
Two local GPs, Dr. Fergal Ruane and Dr. Keith Swanick, were also in receipt of the vaccine, with Dr. Swanick stating: “I feel so privileged to receive the first dose of Covid-19 vaccine today. Thank you to the HSE for prioritising frontline workers here in Belmullet where we saw the highest 14-day incline recently.
“Together we will beat this virus into submission by working together in solidarity in the community and reminding ourselves that this is a serious illness that can kill us.”
Siobhan O’Sullivan, general manager, Older People’s Services, Community Healthcare West, visited the unit and stated: “We are delighted that the vaccinations commenced in Belmullet. The vaccine gives great hope to residents and staff in terms of beating this disease which has impacted on the lives of residents.
“It also provides great comfort to staff as a protection for residents and themselves.”
All staff and residents vaccinated will receive a second dose, to be fully protected, in three weeks.
In accordance with the priority list for vaccination set out by the country, residents aged over 65 in long-term care are among the first to receive the vaccine.
The comprehensive vaccination programme across Community Healthcare West will see teams vaccinate residents and staff at more than 100 locations. In long stay residential facilities for older persons, vaccination teams will travel to 66 private nursing homes and 20 residential facilities run by Community Healthcare West to vaccinate residents and staff.
As well as the staff and residents vaccinated on Tuesday, a further 19 residential facilities will receive their vaccine with the remainder over the coming weeks up to the end of February 2021.
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