A sense of fulfilment enveloped the Athlone Covid-19 Vaccination Centre on Friday last, the achievement of administering 50,000 vaccines being a milestone moment for all the staff working on site at the Athlone IT International Sports Arena.
Operational since April, the temporary HSE location, is working through the age groupings at a steady pace, with those aged 25-29, due to receive their vaccinations imminently.
Speaking to the Athlone Advertiser this week, site manager, Susan Temple, was in positive spirits as she acknowledged the cohesive work ethic of all staff who ensure that the vaccination process is smoothly operated.
"The Athlone Vaccination Centre remains busy on a continuous basis and to have achieved the milestone figure of 50,000 vaccines on Friday last is solely due to the dedicated efforts of all the staff on site.
"Within the vaccination centre, there are staff working together from various disciplines all of whom have the sole goal of making the process a stress free experience for those receiving their vaccine.
"Our aim is to provide a safe and controlled environment within the vaccination centre and to date, I believe that we have achieved such a feat," Susan remarked.
The vaccination centre commenced operations on April 21, initially administering the AstraZeneca vaccine to the 65-69 age cohort, but as time elapsed access to both mRNA Pfizer and Moderna vaccines allowed for an increase in numbers of those attending the location for a vaccination appointment.
"On average we aim to schedule between 1,000-1,200 vaccinations on a daily basis (registration dependent ) and there has been a steady flow through the vaccination centre. We now have a good supply of the various vaccines which obviously enables the staff to move through the various age groupings at a more steady pace," Susan commented.
Those who register for a Covid-19 vaccination usually receive an appointment within one week with those residing in East Galway having cause to venture to Athlone Vaccination Centre for their appointment.
"Your appointment is eircode dependent so we are accommodating those who wish to be vaccinated from a wider geographical area, not just within the vicinity of Athlone. If there is an overflow of appointments at vaccination centres in close proximity we will also cater for this excess," Susan commented.
In the main, there has been much positive feedback from those who have received their vaccination at the Athlone IT International Sports Arena.
"We are now using pre-filled syringes which enhances the flow of the vaccination process and this leads to a smooth transition from arrival to exiting the centre which has been warmly received and while this week has been particularly warm from weather perspective the site is spacious which is a positive," Susan added.
Unsure as to when the temporary HSE site will conclude operations, Susan stated that the attitude amongst the staff is one of maintaining vaccination programme progress.
"GPs and pharmacies are offering vaccinations so I am unsure as to when we will complete our vaccination programme on site but we aim to progress as steadily as we have done so to date in the coming weeks.
"The collective effort of all staff is to be lauded and we look forward to maintaining a positive presence in Athlone IT International Sports Centre," Susan concluded.
Athlone Pop-Up Test Centre
Meanwhile, figures released by the HSE revealed that 330 individuals presented for Covid-19 swabbing at the Athlone pop-up test centre currently operational on the site of the former St Aloysius College.
This total figure relates to testing which was conducted on site on Tuesday, July 13 and Friday, July 16. The pop-up test centre will remain open tomorrow, Friday, July 23, before ceasing operations.
