Many members have contacted us with queries on the ongoing rollout of the vaccinations for COVID. We have met with the HSE several times on this matter (as recently as this morning) and key updates on this and other matters are below.
1. AstraZeneca: Issues have been reported relating to the Astra Zeneca vaccine, which has led to its suspension to people aged younger than 60. We have sought clarity from the HSE on this data, inclusive of any consideration of gender specific concerns and have calling for clear, detailed communications with healthcare staff on the issue that now arise from the suspension of this vaccine.
We raised several questions with the HSE on the impact on the vaccination programme for INMO members.
Key information we received this morning includes:
All of those under the age of 60 who have not already had any vaccine dose will be offered an mRNA vaccine (Pfizer or Moderna) in line with updated NIAC guidance.
Those who have received their first AstraZeneca dose, and are awaiting their second dose will be offered one at an interval of 12 or 16 week after the first dose. The interval is “likely to be 16 weeks for most healthcare workers unless they have medical conditions that place them at high risk or they are over 60 years old”.
The HSE currently say that they are not offering a different vaccine for the second shot, due to a lack of clear international evidence on the safety or efficacy of mixing vaccine type. We have sought updated information and international evidence on this decision and will update you with any further information as we receive it from the HSE.
The HSE advise that the clotting issues associated with AstraZeneca are reported as rare. However, they advise that anyone who develops any of the below symptoms in the weeks after an AstraZeneca shot should contact their doctor immediately:
- New onset breathlessness
- Pain in the chest or stomach
- Swelling or coldness in a leg
- Severe or worsening headache or blurred vision
- Persistent bleeding, multiple small bruises, reddish or purplish spots under the skin or blood blisters under the skin.
2. Mandatory vaccination: Student members contacted us with concerns at a March directive from the HSE which said that unvaccinated nursing and midwifery students would not be permitted on placement in HSE facilities. In effect, this amounted to mandatory vaccination.
We raised this issue with the HSE and they have since retracted the policy, instead rightly requiring that infection control measures are prioritised.
The INMO’s position is to strongly recommend vaccination. The best way to achieve that is through education, ease of access, and clear information given to healthcare professionals.
3. Wider vaccination: For the general public, vaccination is ramping up. The HSE confirmed to us this week that 17 vaccination centres are now open (though not at full capacity). They aim to open 30 centres in the coming weeks. Registration for vaccines for over 65s has begun, in a phased manner.
4. Building Momentum: Implementation of structures agreed as part of the Building Momentum agreement has commenced at national level, between the ICTU Public Service Committee and Department of Public Expenditure and Reform. The next steps are for government to sign off on the sectoral bargaining units and membership of the required committees, as set out within the agreement. In particular, this process will be important for our future hour’s reduction and the pay increase for nurse and midwife management grades.
5. ADC: The INMO’s 102nd Annual Delegate Conference will be held online on the 6th and 7th of May. Branches and sections have chosen their delegates to set union policy and discuss motions. More information on this process will be issued directly to delegates and posted on the INMO website.
6. Celebrating International Days of the Nurse and Midwife: We are asking members to help us mark these two important days, by sending us photos of themselves and their colleagues. Whether in PPE or scrubs, masked or with smiling faces showing - we want to really celebrate our professions and our incredible members across all areas of the health service.