The clearance by the European Medicines Agency (EMA) of the AstraZeneca vaccine should allow the Irish vaccination campaign to pick up some speed again after yet another hiatus. We must hope that a more stable supply in the second quarter allows the programme to move quickly to another level. This is what is needed if Ireland is to get close to the target set by Taoiseach Micheál Martin at the end of February of having given at least one dose to 80 per cent of adults by the end of June.
Assuming steady supply, nothing less than a national effort is essential to get the vaccines administered. Central to this will be the mass vaccination centres, intended to be able to deal with significant numbers each day. This is a complex logistical exercise, but other countries have managed it and Ireland must do likewise. Whatever resources are needed must be provided.
Significant progress is possible by the end of June – though it is still far from guaranteed
One consequence of the temporary suspension of the AstraZeneca vaccine will be the need to rebuild public confidence. The clear communication from the EMA will help, though for some doubts may linger. The vaccine is “safe and effective”, the agency said. It found no definitive link with the blood clotting events. It will advise that information be provided in leaflets so people can watch out for any symptoms. The fact remains that the advantages of the vaccines far outweigh risks, according to all the evidence.
The short term challenge now is to get the programme back on track, after the sharp fall in numbers caused by the AstraZeneca suspension. Ireland is expected to quickly accept the EMA position. The temporary suspension has delayed the vaccination of people who are particularly vulnerable due to their medical conditions. When this group, along with over-70s and frontline health workers, complete their vaccination programme it will represent an important milestone.
This should then give the Government more options in gradually easing restrictions, though the progress in vaccinating the wider population will also be key. And, assuming supply does become more stable, the vital factor will be ramping up the delivery via the 37 mass vaccination centres which could quickly make inroads into other frontline and priority groups and then the general population.
Significant progress is possible by the end of June – though it is still far from guaranteed. While public debate has focused on vaccine supply, we may soon get to a position where their delivery becomes the issue.
Success will save lives and livelihoods and allow restrictions to ease significantly over the summer. Questions will remain – about international travel, for example – and larger indoor gatherings. But by July, if all the vaccines now promised have arrived and been administered, the country will be in a significantly better place.