SERVICES
The HSE Public Health Department North East, Community Healthcare Organisation Area 1, Cavan County Council and Monaghan County Council are urging people to come forward to get their COVID-19 vaccine to improve vaccination uptake in the region. We are working together to increase our region’s response to COVID-19 vaccination uptake and strengthen public health.
Dr Augustine Pereira, Director of Public Health North East said: “Everyone in Ireland aged 12 and older is eligible to receive free COVID-19 vaccines. Those who are currently eligible for vaccines but remain unvaccinated are at risk of becoming seriously ill. In order to protect yourself and prevent the spread, it is important that you get vaccinated. We are working with our colleagues in Community Health and the County Councils to promote the uptake of vaccines amongst anyone who hasn’t yet availed of one, to counter misinformation, and to ensure we are reaching out to our communities.”
“Our message to the eligible population who have had their doses of the vaccine is; thank you. To those who have one dose; please ensure you receive your second dose, and to those who have not yet come forward to be vaccinated; please we urge anyone who has not yet availed of a vaccine to get it. The vaccine will protect you, but it isn’t just to protect yourself it’s for your family, friends and the wider community.”
“We are asking our community groups and businesses to play a role in helping us get the unvaccinated vaccinated. We need you to ensure people are getting reliable information about the vaccine. To show them where they can find reliable and accurate information online. We want parents and grandparents to encourage young people to take up the opportunity to get vaccinated.”
Dr Pereira added: “the work to improve vaccine uptake needs to continue. We must leave no stone unturned. No one should be left behind because they haven’t had the support they need to make an informed decision to get vaccinated.”
Cara O’Neill, CHO1 COVID-19 Vaccination Lead, Head of Health and Wellbeing said: “It is more important now than ever to make sure you are vaccinated. There are several ways of getting your vaccination; through a vaccination centre by booking your vaccine online, at a vaccination centre that is offering a walk-in vaccination service or through a participating pharmacy. To find out more information about getting your COVID-19 vaccination go to www.hse.ie. In protecting yourself, you are also protecting others.”
Chief Executive of Cavan County Council, Mr Tommy Ryan said: “Throughout this crisis, the people of Cavan have responded to every challenge faced with resilience, unity, and a determination to protect the most vulnerable in our society. The best way to continue to protect our loved ones and our health system is to ensure as many people as possible are fully vaccinated.”
“I would appeal to those who have not yet done so to avail of their free vaccine and encourage those who have already had one dose to get their second vaccine, which will ensure they have the maximum level of protection. The vaccines are safe and effective and represent our best hope of keeping the worst effects of COVID-19 at bay,” added Mr Ryan.
Paul Clifford, Acting Chief Executive of Monaghan County Council, said: “The COVID-19 pandemic has tested the people of Monaghan and our country in unprecedented ways. Fortunately, vaccines provide the hope that we will be able to turn the tide against COVID-19 and get back to many of the things we missed most, like spending time with loved ones and friends, travelling and going to events. As more of us get vaccinated, it provides the safety and protection to allow our economy to fully reopen. We are appealing to the people of Monaghan to get vaccinated from COVID-19.”
“In the meantime, we must all continue to wear our masks, wash our hands, keep our social distance, and stay at home when we are feeling sick to keep everyone safe. Remember, you may still transmit COVID-19 even after you have been vaccinated,” Mr Clifford added.