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THE FIRST BATCH of the Moderna vaccine for Covid-19 has arrived into Ireland.
Sharing the news on Twitter, Health Minister Stephen Donnelly said: “Great to see the first delivery of the Moderna vaccine land in Ireland. The first delivery is a small one, but every vaccine counts.”
This is the second vaccine to be used in Ireland after the Pfizer/BioNTech version.
The Government said 875,000 doses of the vaccine have been ordered for Ireland. This version of the vaccine also requires two doses to be given to each recipient.
The European Medicines Agency (EMA) approved the vaccine on 6 January, cementing the Moderna jab as the second against Covid-19 to receive authorisation in the EU following the Pfizer/BioNTech vaccine.
Executive director of the EMA Emer Cooke said that the Modern vaccine “provides us with another tool to overcome the current emergency”.
“It is a testament to the efforts and commitment of all involved that we have this second positive vaccine recommendation just short of a year since the pandemic was declared by WHO,” Cooke said.
“As for all medicines, we will closely monitor data on the safety and effectiveness of the vaccine to ensure ongoing protection of the EU public,” she said.
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Yet again they can’t give out numbers when it comes to Vaccinations. Are the number delivered per week and those vaccinated state secrets?
@Ger: you get what you get regardless of publishing numbers….no matter how many it won’t be enough until everyone vaccinated…just be happy we are getting it because moaning won’t increase the supply.
@Cosmos20202020: Sure we’ve a solution now so Ger is running out of stuff to moan about. God help him when covids no more. Then again he’ll problem start complaining about the weather, or how 2 minute rice can’t be cook within a minute.
@Cosmos20202020: So asking for greater transparency from our Government in relation to how many vaccines have been received and administered since the 29th December is considered moaning?
@Steve O’Reilly: I did not know we are acquainted with each other or do you just like to post random comments about people you know nothing about?
@Cosmos20202020: Come back to me at the end of February when the HSE are making excuses for being the laggards in Europe in terms of vaccine roll out while NI and the UK have large percentages of their population vaccinated and protected. The lack of transparency is obvious. The lack of inquiry from journaliers is depressing. Terrible numbers of deaths and cases today and neither RTÉ or the journal bothering to ask for an update on a roll out that will save countless lives. The denial in the media and general population is mind boggling. But sure, it’s grand…..nothing to complain about.
@Ger: The Irish Government have a systemic problem with transparency .
@Cosmos20202020: so you would be happy with no information ever?
@Ger: they reported that up to last week there was 35,154 I think. Can’t remember the exact figure but was more than 35k, not everything is a conspiracy.
@Cosmos20202020: It’s not moaning. As a citizen or simply a person residing under the auspices of the state, we have a right to know what, where and how, but especially ‘when’. Ireland, the state, the authorities, has a proven track record and habit of keeping secrets, in case you haven’t noticed.
@Jules: It’s not just the present government. It’s part of the State manifesto, and one of the better things the Irish in power are good at. Failing that, refer to it as a ‘systemic failure’, should the truth out.
How many doses?
@Fr.Todd Unctious: they don’t give numbers otherwise all hopes will be gone. Much more impactful to give a larger number, even meaningless. They are skilled communicators.
Just not good enough!
@Corinne Wilson Muller: You’ll have to be a bit more specific there, kid. What’s not good enough?
@Corinne Wilson Muller: We’re given an allocation based on our population per head within the EU.
We can’t go and do our own side deals with manufacturers…
@Steven Wynne: Germany did, but they’re bigger than us. https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2020-12-02/germany-seeks-covid-vaccine-doses-beyond-eu-deal-allocation
@Antain Mac Lochlainn: That article also states that Germany contributed almost 1€ billion to the development of the vaccine. How much did Ireland?
@Ajax Penumbra: Clearly that its a small amount as is that not enough vaccines are being done!
@Steven Wynne: who said anything about doing side deals?
@Corinne Wilson Muller: if the amount we are receiving is “not good enough” how would you propose we procure more? We are counting on the EU to deal on our behalf, I can understand people being annoyed with the slow roll out of the vaccine here by the HSE Etc. But we can’t really have an issue with our allocation.
@Steven Wynne: Absolute BS. Denmark are part of the same EU allocation process and are racing ahead with their programme. They also have a similar size population to Ireland. The government and its media lackeys blaming the EU is laughable. It seems we’re proud Europeans one day but happy to throw the EU under the bus to cover up our own inadequacies. As the weeks roll on the HSE will run out of excuses as Ireland gets left behind in its healthcare. Again. But sure, it’s grand…..
My understanding is that we have been allocated a certain number of vaccines from the Euro pot. I’m wondering does anyone think there are grounds to increase or renegotiate the supply given we have the highest rate of covid infection per capita worldwide? Should supply be prioritised to countries that are harder hit?
@Craig Barry: you do realize that if you have had Covid that you have a similar if not the same immunity as the vaccine will give you. So by your logic we should get less. As we have more immunity in the country.
@Dave Connolly: I take your point. I spoke to a consultant ENT recently who told me he had covid early December that would give him immunity for 6 months. my understanding is that the vaccine will provide immunity for 18 months given all things remain the same. In terms of the immunity span, the vaccine triples the length of time.
The EU made a mess of the ordering trying to spread the purchases over a mixed variety . they haven’t ordered enough . Now they saying after March we will get as much as is needed . We of course placed all our trust in the EU. no choice really. It’s not good enough. UK have Vaxed 2.5 million already and said all people over 50 will be vaccinated by April .why is it taking so long to approve each one ? … oh safety of course … and the rest I think ! ..
@Terry Cahill: Approved vaccines:
BioNTech-Pfizer – EU bought 200 million doses, and has an option to buy 100 million more. In addition, the EU proposed that member states buy 200 million doses themselves with an option to buy 100 million more (any surplus going to 3rd World Countries).
Moderna – an initial 80 million doses and an option to buy a further 80 million.
Signed contracts but awaiting Approval and conclusion of Clinical Trials:
AstraZeneca – EU signed a contract for 300 million doses. I think they will be approved by end of March.
Sanofi-GSK – Contract allowing member states to purchase 300 million doses of vaccine. Vaccine available 2nd half 2021.
Johnson & Johnson – EU signed a contract for enough vaccine to vaccinate 200 million people with an option to purchase enough vaccine to vaccinate 200 million more people. Phase III trial results will be known at the end of January, so this vaccine will likely be approved in February (if all goes well).
Exploratory Talks:
CureVac – EU intends to sign a contract for 100 million doses, depending on how Phase III trials go.
Valneva – Exploratory talks for 30 million doses, with an option to buy 30 million more doses, depending on clinical trials
@Eugene James Cunningham: Thanks for the link, this is exactly why the EU signed contracts with several different companies, just in case a vaccine does not work out as planned.
“The EU made a mess of the ordering trying to spread the purchases over a mixed variety .”
It is not a mess at all, it’s an important part of the plan. If one or in this case two vaccines don’t work out, there’s others available.
Why such a small amount. Why such small amounts and slow roll out in general ?
Has Ireland been bypassed in priorities by more influential ,competent and capable
European health organisations than our HSE, Dept of Health and so called “Task Force”.
Thinking we are still paying the price of too many chiefs !!!
@Brendan Healy: look at the mess they are making of distribution and actual giving vaccines in the US. We may not be perfect but we’re a long way from that!! They’ll get to us all eventually, once the vaccine that only needs one injection comes online it’ll get much faster like seasonal flue vaccine.
@Colm O’Leary:
The population of the U.S. is 328 million and the country has been administered by people with dubious ideals whereas Ireland has a population of 4.9 million with an administration of well meaning people. No comparison.
Excellent news.
“Every vaccine counts”. This isn’t a Tesco commercial. Government /HSE really need to get the finger out.
Yes every vaccine counts if its administered and not sitting in a fridge somewhere
Hold on a second ill just roll up my sleeve.
About time
I was in a major hospital today and a nurse came to check in for her vaccination,she was told there was a mix up with delivery and they didn’t arrive…. it’s good enough.
Your immune system is far more effective and safer.
Is that all – a still photograph of the pallet?
I expected at least a video, a guard of honour and the Irish Rovers singing Lily the Pink!
Jeez… Theres 6.5million in ireland fill the cargo hold!
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have your say