'We are pleased to be doing our bit - whatever we can to help'

Vaccinations could begin in Simonstown GAA Centre as early as next week as the roll out of vaccinations in the community begins.

Simonstown GAA centre is one of 37 large centres which will be used for vaccinations over the coming months.

Club chairman, Mel O'Rourke, said the centre has already been set up for the vaccination programme.c

“We are pleased to be doing our bit - whatever we can to help,” he said.

“Like everyone else, we are looking forward to getting back to normal and operating as a football club again,” he said.

Vaccinations of people in a community setting began last week with two Meath practices among 84 around the country to start vaccinating their patients who are over the age of 85.

The roll out is expected to continue to more practices over the coming weeks.

The HSE has said vaccines are currently being administered in healthcare settings, to front-line healthcare workers, and to people aged 70 and over by their GPs across 1,300 practices throughout the country.

“At the moment, vaccine administration is limited only by the supply of approved vaccines and that is dependent on the manufacturers meeting their supply commitments.

“The HSE is engaged in creating an expanded vaccination infrastructure, managing a suite of vaccine products with different handling and delivery requirements,” a spokesperson said.

The HSE says it located the 37 vaccination centres using CSO Census population data.

“Criteria for selection included ease of access, transport links and parking. “They are being rolled out now, with some being used to support the GP-led element of the vaccine roll-out.

“These centres will come on stream as needed, with a dedicated workforce, from late March/early April.”

All centres are expected to be ready in advance of the need to match vaccine supply which, based on current information, is forecast to reach a peak in the second quarter of the year.

“The HSE has developed a vaccine rollout programme that is flexible and agile to respond to what is an evolving situation internationally. We must be in a position to adapt and change as the rollout continue.

“GP's will be in contact with their clients directly in respect of vaccination dates and times.”

The HSE has not provided details of the roll out to the over 70s in Meath except to say their GPs will contact them, nor has it responded to a query on how those without transport will get to vaccination centres.

It is also still unclear how many local GP practices will be vaccinating over the next two weeks, when vaccinating will begin in Simonstown or when the vaccination of vulnerable patients under 70 will begin.