DUBLIN: The HSE’s chief executive Paul Reid has confirmed that Ireland’s COVID-19 vaccine registration portal will open this week for those aged 40 to 50. Last week, registration was open to people aged 50-69.
“Forty to fifty will be next [age group] and we will be communicating out on that later next week, for people to start registering on that portal,” Mr. Reid said.
Despite the disruption caused by the ransomware attack on the HSE’s IT system, the COVID-19 vaccination and testing program is progressing well across the country. Several hospital services were delayed following Friday’s cyber-attack.
Senior officials said the cyber-attack affected hospitals differently, with some being forced to cancel outpatient appointments and elective procedures, while others were not hit as hard.
However, the vaccination program continued, and the online booking portal for COVID-19 vaccine appointments was also operational. The online registration portal is run on a separate system and is therefore unaffected.
Mr. Reid advised that anyone who wants to be tested for COVID-19 in the coming days go to the nearest COVID-19 walk-in testing centre. This can be done without an appointment, he said.
The HSE’s proposal to lower the age limit for AstraZeneca and Johnson & Johnson use is expected to be approved soon by Dr. Tony Holohan, Chief Medical Officer.
On Saturday, the HSE Chief confirmed that over two million vaccines had been administered in Ireland, including first and second doses. He also said that the HSE aims to administer between 260,000 and 280,000 vaccines this week.
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