The figure is a reduced target from the week previous.
The Irish Government has set a target of administering 84,166 Covid-19 vaccines for next week (the week beginning 8 March).
As part of a briefing on Friday, Cabinet members were told that the goal will be to vaccinate 84,166 people, which will include:
- 11,500 for those in long term residential care, including 500 first doses
- 25,666 frontline health workers
- 37,000 people aged over 70 (with the 80-84 cohort next)
- 10,000 people with underlying health conditions
HSE Chief Colm Henry said that almost half a million vaccines have been administered in Ireland to date, with 82,000 vaccines administered last week instead of the planned 100,000.
He also said that the “vast majority” of people over 85 will be vaccinated with a first dose this week, but between 600 and 800 of this group will not be completed until next week.
The announced target comes the day after Stephen Donnelly told the Dáil he remains “concerned” about AstraZeneca’s ability to deliver vaccine supplies on schedule and at the agreed volumes.
Speaking on Thursday, the Minister for Health said that he has concerns, and that the HSE is “uncertain” over supply issues.
He said: “The HSE is managing a vaccination programme with uncertain supplies arriving in, particularly from AstraZeneca.
“I certainly remain concerned about AstraZeneca’s ability to deliver on schedule, and indeed to deliver at the volumes that have been agreed.”
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