Ireland’s Olympic athletes are to be vaccinated ahead of the Tokyo games.
Pfizer has offered its jab to the athletes and their support teams.
In a further boost to the vaccine rollout programme, the Johnson and Johson vaccine has started to be administered to the public for the first time.
Stephanie Rohan reports.
The Johnson and Johnson vaccine is regarded as being the best vaccine for hard to reach communities.
It’s one shot meaning once someone gets it, they are fully vaccinated after two weeks.
Homeless people in Dublin have now started receiving it and it’s hoped up to 700 doses will be administered to this group by the end of next week.
Dr Austin O’Carroll from the HSE says take up has been good.
Elsewhere it’s emerged Pfizer will be offering its vaccine to Ireland’s Olympic athletes and all athletes worldwide heading to the Tokyo Games.
The Irish numbers, which are in the low hundreds, will be in addition to the current delivery agreements between Pfizer and the Government.
The Olympic Federation of Ireland and Paralympics Ireland says the move is extremely welcomed given the high levels of anxiety among those heading to the Olympics.
President of Paralympics Ireland, John Fulham said
“Today’s announcement from the IOC in relation to vaccinations for the Paralympic and Olympic Teams travelling to Tokyo is very welcome and our sincere thanks goes out to Pfizer Biontech, the IOC and IPC for the work they have done to make this possible.”
“To be able to provide the necessary level of care for our athletes and staff, as they seek to perform at the highest level, has been our primary concern. We have been working tirelessly in seeking the best solutions, conscious of the broader societal pressures at this time, ensuring those most vulnerable took priority.”
“We look forward to working with our athletes, support staff, Olympic Colleagues, while being supported by our Government so our Teams can travel to Tokyo and be in the best and safest position to perform on the world stage. That is something for Ireland to look forward to.”
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