The roll-out of the vaccination plan is complex and subject to a number of factors such as vaccination authorisation processes, clinical advice based on emergent data, and vaccine supply chain volatility. As set out in the published government vaccination strategy, vaccination planning has to be agile, flexible and to be capable of evolving over time. My Department is working in close cooperation with the HSE to develop and implement a comprehensive vaccination plan in which GPs will play a key role.
The role of GPs was subject of intense discussions last week with the IMO, and a communication from the IMO, agreed with the HSE, issued to its members on Friday evening, 5 February. In addition, an IMO-arranged webinar was held on 9 February to provide further information to GPs. Further information will be made available when it is possible to do so.