Health Minister Expected To Approve Acceleration Of Covid 19 Vaccination Programme Today.

It involves young people getting the Johnson and Johnson shot in pharmacies and other centres.

The Health Minister's expected to sign off on a plan today that will accelerate the Covid-19 vaccination programme.

The HSE yesterday gave him a proposal for administering the AstraZeneca and Johnson and Johnson vaccines to under-50s, following NIAC's advice.

18 to 49 year olds could opt to get one of these jabs - or wait for an mRNA vaccine to become available.

Significant acceleration of our vaccine programme:

* 18-34-year-olds can begin to access Janssen vaccine in pharmacies from Monday. pic.twitter.com/Yhu5k7c4Xc

— Stephen Donnelly (@DonnellyStephen) July 2, 2021

The plan would involve young people getting the Johnson and Johnson shot in pharmacies and other centres.

Darragh O'Loughlin, from the Irish Pharmacy Union, welcomes the HSE's proposals.

It comes as the Deputy Chief Medical Officer says at least 80 per cent of the population will need to be vaccinated before the country can fully reopen.

Dr Ronan Glynn says the news doesn't change it's recommendation to delay indoor dining.

Pharmacies to offer vaccines to people aged 18-34 from Monday https://t.co/IVdH2OObBh

— The Irish Times (@IrishTimes) July 2, 2021

The HSE say 53,000 Johnson and Johnson vaccines are available at pharmacies nationally, and a full list is available here

It says there are an additional 70,000 doses available at short notice "if needed".

People aged between 18 and 34, and those aged over 50 are encouraged to contact their local pharmacy to check availability.

Finance Minister Paschal Donohoe says younger people being able to get vaccinated in pharmacies has health and economic benefits:

The IPU has consistently sought a greater role for pharmacists in the vaccination programme and worked hard with @DonnellyStephen & @HSELive to make it happen. After today's announcement, we're delighted that 18-34 yr olds can now get vaccinated in pharmacies as of Monday 5 July pic.twitter.com/Hs63WZZH88

— Irish Pharmacy Union (@IrishPharmacy) July 2, 2021

Later on Friday morning, it was confirmed that 18 to 34 year olds will be able to get Johnson and Johnson Covid vaccinations in pharmacies from next Monday.

While the vaccine portal will open to that age group to get a dose of AstraZeneca or J&J in a vaccine centre from July 12th.

The registration portal for 30 to 34 year olds to get mRNA vaccines like Pfizer will open next Friday.

Health Minister Stephen Donnelly has said there will be a substantial speeding up of the vaccine roll-out for younger people:

The Minister says, however, that  supply for pharmacists will be somewhat limited in July

.