Due to a large reduction in the numbers of people presenting at Covid-19 vaccinations centres, the HSE has opted to close the administering facility in Moate, on Wednesday, June 8.
To date, the Westmeath vaccination centre has administered close to 160,000 doses and since opening in 2021 has played a prominent Covid-19 immunisation role.
A HSE statement issued in recent times noted that the public health service had developed a national plan for vaccination centres and was taking the decision to reduce the number to 15 facilities across the country.
‘The HSE consider that there will be enough vaccination capacity in these 15 centres in addition to participating GPs and pharmacies who will also continue to provide Covid-19 vaccinations.
‘Of the 15 Centres nationally, three of these centres will be in Midlands Louth Meath. These centres, located in Simonstown Gaels in Navan, Fairways Dundalk and Portlaoise will continue to provide a service in Midlands Louth Meath CHO. This will mean that the centres operating in Westmeath, Offaly and Longford will close in line with the national plan.
‘The HSE would like to acknowledge all those who worked in the centres that are to close, the organisations and agencies who supported the work in these centres and most importantly to all those who presented for vaccination at these centres
‘Westmeath vaccination centre, which has operated at different locations and is currently located in Moate, has administered 158,234 since opening in 2021 will close on Wednesday, June 8.
‘Within the county, 12 GP practices and 19 pharmacies will continue to provide vaccinations with further information in this regard available on the HSE website.
‘HSE mobile vaccination teams will continue to operate within all areas throughout the summer and will continue to deliver vaccination doses to those who are homebound and residents of Long Term Residential Centres (LTRCs ).
‘The HSE will also put in place a number of pop-up vaccination teams that will be available to support particular locations if access to vaccination becomes a challenge.
‘As is currently the case, vaccination is by using the online HSE vaccination self-scheduler. Registration is currently available at vaccine.hse.ie A PPS number, eircode, mobile phone number and email address are required for registration.’
Des O’Flynn, CHO Midlands Louth Meath said it was important to acknowledge the work and commitment of all staff in the three closing Midlands vaccination centres.
“These staff have worked tirelessly to vaccinate our communities as speedily and safely as possible. This is reflected in the number of vaccines – more than 296,000 in total in the three centres – this tells its own story and speaks volumes of the huge effort made by staff.The support and cooperation of colleagues across the wider HSE, as well as from local representatives was also very welcome.
“I would also like to thank the people of the Midlands and allmembers of the public for availing of the facilities to get vaccinated to protect themselves, their families and loved ones and their communities. Vaccines are working and are helping to prevent severe illness across the county,” Mr O’Flynn concluded.
