Irish Pharmacy Union

Problems with communication are exacerbating a difficult winter as supply chain issues mean a growing number of medicines are not available

‘Serious shortage protocol’ would allow alternative antibiotics to be dispensed without need to contact GPs

Full potential of this sector must be embraced as staffing and cost challenges mount

Community pharmacists tell of long hours, no breaks and being asked to forgo annual leave as pandemic increases pressure

Industry calls for more third-level places and reduction of needless paperwork

Tentative optimism as to variant’s limited capacity to harm as situation stays serious

Ambulances, pharmacies and nursing homes among services affected by staff absences

Price of devices escalate as supply becomes tighter, according to pharmacists

More than 1.3 million boosters are given in State so far in race against highly contagious Omicron variant

Chemists to provide boosters to over 50s, despite receiving go-ahead for range of cohorts

Older and more vulnerable patients remain prioritised for Covid-19 vaccination

As many patients as possible will be vaccinated as non-urgent care will not be prioritised

HSE says vaccine booster system upgraded but problems persist as queues form at clinic

GPs see trend in patients treating negative results as confirming absence of Covid-19

Pharmacists call to be involved booster vaccine rollout saying exlusion ‘makes no sense’

More than 370,000 people are either unvaccinated or only partially vaccinated

Survey suggests GP visits fell during pandemic while pharmacy visits rose

Letter tells Taoiseach of failed attempt to donate unused stock to other waiting lists

People aged 18 and over can register for mRNA vaccine from tomorrow – Donnelly

Government decided to permit use in younger age groups despite rare blood clots