Vaccine Deployment: How Needs to Solve Problems From Supercooling to Skepticism

It has become clear that thousands of people may be told they cannot get the new Covid-19 vaccine because of the risk of an allergic reaction.

Following yesterday’s news, two NHS nurses out of the thousands who received the jab responded anaphylactically.

Both are fine, but as a precautionary measure, UK drug regulators have advised people with a history of serious allergic reactions not to be vaccinated.

It is unclear what the advice is here when the vaccine, which is considered to be very safe by Pfizer BioNTech, will be deployed after January approval.

If the pandemic has taught us something, it’s to anticipate the unexpected.

But yesterday, after neither could say how many caregivers over the age of 65 would be vaccinated, I’m still worried about how ready the Ministry of Health and HSE are.

Vaccine intake

Professor Brian Hughes of the Irish Psychological Association, who wrote the document on vaccination intake, said: “Most people have a positive view of vaccination, so paying attention to vaccine skepticism can often be disproportionate. Nevertheless, most vaccines It is important to address vaccination questions in a threat-free manner, with the knowledge that hesitation comes not from hostile attitudes but from barriers to motivation.

“According to the best available studies, vaccination programs are most effective when routine, accessible, and navigable within standard medical practice.”

Guidance states that the vaccination system should endeavor to involve people directly, rather than waiting for the attitude of the people to evolve. Public figures and other role models should be consistent in their statement regarding vaccination. Vaccine reservations should be approved and addressed in a non-threatening manner.

Complex delivery

The difficulties posed by the need to store Pfizer BioNTech vaccines at -70 ° C must be overcome so that the jabs do not get too warm and do not nullify them.

Pfizer has developed a reusable suitcase-sized container for storing 975 doses of vaccine on dry ice.

The vaccine is suitable for 10 days after it comes out of the case and up to 15 days with dry ice. The case can be opened twice a day, every minute. Therefore, if you take it out too much, the jab can be wasted.

Obtaining vaccines for nursing homes

It’s unclear what the European Medicines Agency says about splitting large packs to take to nursing homes and other care facilities, which probably have only 50 residents. British regulators say it will be possible in the coming weeks, but European guard dogs may take a different view.

Vaccine shortage

Ireland has pre-purchase agreements with five potential vaccine developers, but it’s unclear how quickly they will all get regulatory approval and send consignments here. can do. There may be a long lapse next year with no supply.

Justify more blockades

If Ireland faces another blockade in January after Christmas and New Year celebrations, there will inevitably be resistance from companies that challenge the need for vaccines to begin to be deployed.

Pressure is expected to overhaul priorities in order to quickly give jabs to hospitality staff and other workers who cannot avoid contact with the general public.

Explain the limits of vaccines

So far, there is no evidence that the vaccine will stop the infection, but it does provide protection from the development of serious illness. A vaccinated person can infect another person who does not have a jab with the virus.

In general, high compliance is required for physical distance, hand washing and wearing a mask.

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Online editor