Mayo pharmacies to play key role in Covid vaccination roll-out from June

Pharmacies will play a key role in the Covid-19 vaccine roll-out from next month.

The news has been confirmed this evening to Mayo Senator Paddy Burke by Health Minister Stephen Donnelly.

The Castlebar-based Oireachtas member welcomed the announcement as a boost for communities like Erris and others across Mayo located over 50 miles from the Mayo Vaccination Centre in Breaffy, Castlebar.

"It's a positive development for people in all towns and villages facing a long return journey to their nearest vaccination centre.

"It will also speed up the process of ensuring more and more people are fully inoculated against the virus," he stated.

The move will particularly facilitate people who may not have their own transport to make the trip to and from the Breaffy facility.

He added the HSE will work closely with pharmacists to ensure the smooth and efficient roll-out of vaccines in their premises, starting in June.

Meanwhile, the HSE announced today that people aged 40 to 44 can register for the vaccine from Wednesday.