by Bernie English
OLDER people looking for Covid-19 booster vaccines at HSE walk-in clinics in Limerick were turned away on the first day as hundreds queued to get extra protection.
In response to a query from The Limerick Post, a HSE spokesperson confirmed that some people waited in vain for the booster vaccine at the first clinic in Scoil Carmel.
“On the day that the first walk-in booster clinics for 60 to 69-year-olds were opened, a number of people had to be turned away, as there were 250 people in the queue,” he said.
“On the basis of such demand, we discontinued two-hour clinics, and moved to half-day or full-day clinics for the 50 to 59 years age group.”
Elsewhere in the country, there were reports of people queuing from before dawn only to be turned away without being vaccinated. However, the extended opening hours appear to have changed the situation in Limerick.
The spokesperson added: “The response of the public locally to the walk-in clinics was as enthusiastic as it has been at every other stage of the vaccination programme.
“While demand has remained significant, there have been no further people turned away from the centre.
“However, given the chilly and inclement weather we have been experiencing lately, we would ask people to dress appropriately and be prepared for delays in accessing the centres for their appointments.
“If people wish to have an idea of how long they might be waiting, the HSE is posting information on queue times at vaccination centres nationwide on their Twitter feed: https://bit.ly/3pY88D8,” he said.
He added that “heath staff welcome the continued support of the public for the efforts of UL Hospitals Group’s vaccination teams.
“At close of business on Sunday, December 12, a total of 439,462 vaccines were delivered. This includes 45,752 doses of booster vaccine .
On that week alone, 12,133 vaccines were delivered, including 11,553 booster doses.
“These totals do not include vaccination work that is being undertaken by our colleagues in HSE Mid-West Community Healthcare, the National Ambulance Service, General Practitioners and pharmacists.”
Anyone with queries about Covid vaccinations should call the national helpline on 1850-241850.
