Vandals wreck marquees used to vaccinate most vulnerable people in our communities

Heartless vandals wreaked havoc at the vaccination centre at Bedford Medical Centre in Navan on Monday night in what has been described as an attack on the most vulnerable in society.

Thugs broke into two of the tents erected at the centre, which have been used as vaccination clinics, and upended everything.

“They just threw everything around, damaged dividing screens and patio heaters. Nothing was stolen,” says practice manager, Ann Mulligan.

“It was just stupid, nasty and an attack on our most vulnerable.”

However, the practice won't be beaten by the vandals as a planned vaccination clinic will go ahead on Friday and Ms Mulligan predicted those responsible will be apprehended.

“The gardai are involved. Our premises is fully protected by CCTV and the gardai are following up on images from last night. The perpetrators will be apprehended,” she predicted.

Ann Mulligan, practice manager at Bedford Medical Centre inspects the damage. PHOTO: SEAMUS FARRELLY

Ms Mulligan said that a vaccination clinic planned for Friday for their patients in the 'at risk' group will go ahead.

“This is a vulnerable group that will be vaccinated - people who are at risk. This wasn't an attack on Bedford Medical Centre but an attack on vulnerable people – those with underlying conditions.”

The vaccination centres were being set up again today in preparation for Friday's clinic.

The Bedford Medical Centre set up a vaccination centre in the grounds in February and began vaccinating their elderly patients.

“This has been very upsetting and annoying, but it won't stop us going ahead with the vaccinations and the perpetrators will be apprehended."

“We have all our patients over 70 vaccinated – over 3,500 and we are now vaccinating those in the at risk groups.

“This has been very upsetting and annoying, but it won't stop us going ahead with the vaccinations and the perpetrators will be apprehended,” she said.