Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 3 March 2021
850. Deputy Cathal Crowe asked the Minister for Health if his Department will contribute towards the accommodation expenses incurred by families who need to travel to the United Kingdom for operations that cannot be carried out here (details supplied); and if his Department will prioritise these persons on the vaccination list. [11521/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe priority is to first vaccinate and protect directly the most vulnerable amongst us, that is, those most likely to have a poor outcome if they contract the virus. The priority is to directly use vaccines to save lives and reduce serious illness, hence the focus on the over 65 year old cohort in long term residential care facilities, and healthcare workers in frontline services often caring for the most vulnerable. The next group to be vaccinated are those aged 70 and older in the following order: 85 and older, 80-84, 75-79, and 70-74. Vaccination of this group began in February. The NIAC continues to monitor data around this disease and indeed emerging data on effectiveness of vaccines on a rolling basis.
The UK Government website advises that travellers from the Common Travel Area, including Ireland, who have not left the Common Travel Area for the past 10 days, do not need quarantine and take tests after arriving. Travellers to the UK are advised to check local restrictions before travel.
