Good interest locally in Covid vaccine at pharmacies

THERE has been a “good” interest and number of queries to local pharmacies who are now offering the Covid-19 vaccine to people aged 50 and over. Since Monday, many pharmacies can administer the Janssen [Johnson&Johnson] vaccine which only requires a single dose.

A number of pharmacies in Tuam as well as those in Dunmore, Headford and Claregalway are offering the vaccine but people are reminded that it is available by appointment only and is not a walk-in service. Initially each pharmacy will be supplied with 50 doses of the vaccine.

Around 140,000 over-50s have not yet received a vaccine and Tuam pharmacist Denis Gleeson says being able to receive it in a town close to home might suit many of those yet to be vaccinated.“We have had a number of calls enquiring about it so I do think there will be a good interest in it,” Denis told The Tuam Herald.

Meanwhile people can still register online to get an appointment for a vaccination at the centre in Ballybrit racecourse where over 50,000 vaccinations have been administered to date.

The Covid-19 vaccine portal is expected to open to people aged 30 to 39 later this week or early next week and they are likely to be given the Moderna or Pfizer vaccine.