80 year old Trim man has become first person in Meath to get covid 19 vaccine

Ted Murtagh, an 80 year-old man from Trim, has become the first person in Meath to be vaccinated against COVID-19.

Ted’s vaccine was the first Pfizer BioNTech COVID-19 Vaccine to be administered by vaccinators at Silvergrove Nursing Home, Clonee, Co Meath.

Ted said today: “It’s absolutely fantastic to get the vaccine and it’s a privilege to be among the first in the country to get vaccinated. I wanted to get the vaccine to protect myself and those around me from Covid-19. It’s wonderful that we now have a vaccine to protect us all against the effects of Covid-19. We can look forward to a new year with hope.”

Ted was given a HSE vaccine information leaflet, along with more detailed manufacturer’s patient information leaflet, before getting the vaccine. Afterwards, each person vaccinated was given a vaccine record card, showing the name and batch of the vaccine they have received. They will each return for their second dose, to be fully protected, in three weeks.

Sarah McBride, Chief Officer of Midlands Louth Meath Community Healthcare Organisation said: “This is a day of hope for a better future. It is a good day for the residents and staff of Silvergrove Nursing Home and we are delighted that we can start rolling out the vaccine for our community. I would particularly like to thank all of the healthcare workers in Midlands Louth Meath who worked tirelessly to make this day possible. I would also like to thank healthcare staff who have worked so hard at the frontline over the past year to protect our community from Covid-19 and support those who were affected by the virus. While today does offer us hope for a better future, it is important that we continue to adhere with all of necessary guidelines to keep safe while the vaccine is being rolled out over the coming weeks and months. It is important to remember that by wearing a face covering, maintaining physical distancing and practising good hand hygiene, you’re supporting frontline workers to maintain essential health services for the people of Midlands Louth Meath.”

Director of Nursing Heather Carter of Silvergrove Nursing Home said: “While it’s a fantastic day for the registered provider, residents and staff, it’s important that everyone continues to support us by following national guidelines. We are expecting very high uptake of the vaccine from both residents and staff, and we see today as a huge step forward in the fight against COVID-19.”

Worldwide, vaccines save at least 2-3 million lives each year – and protect many more from crippling and lifelong illnesses. Only COVID-19 vaccines that have been authorised by the European Medicines Agency, having met stringent safety and effectiveness standards, will be used in Ireland. All COVID-19 vaccines will be carefully monitored over time and updated safety data and information will be published and shared by the HSE, on our website and in our printed information materials.

Everyone can find factual, up-to-date information, based on scientific evidence on:

www.hse.ie/covid19vaccine

www.gov.ie/covid19vaccine

www.hpra.ie

www.who.int