Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 21 April 2021
2121. Deputy Louise O'Reilly asked the Minister for Health if he will respond to correspondence from an institute (details supplied) regarding adding radiographers and radiation therapists to the list of authorised persons for delivering the Covid-19 vaccine. [19910/21]
View answer2126. Deputy David Cullinane asked the Minister for Health if he has engaged with an institute (details supplied) regarding the addition of professionals in radiography and radiation therapy to those who can be trained to and administer Covid-19 vaccines; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19920/21]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 2121 and 2126 together.
The HSE are building and deploying its workforce in order to be prepared for the requirements associated with rolling out the COVID-19 vaccine programme.
GPs, Pharmacists, doctors, nurses, paramedics, and many healthcare professionals, will have a role to play in the vaccination programme.
In addition, on Tuesday 23 February 2021, the Minister for Health signed the Medicinal Products (Prescription and Control of Supply) (Amendment) (No. 4) Regulations 2021. The purpose of these amending Regulations is to add registered optometrists and registered dentists to the list of professionals who may supply and administer Covid-19 vaccinations.
The vaccine rollout is being conducted on a 7-day week basis and to date, 12,000 staff have received training to operate as vaccinators. To support the expanded immunisation programme the HSE launched a vaccinator recruitment campaign at the end of February.
Additional professions will be considered to participate as vaccinators in the programme as required subject to suitability.
