The HSE has confirmed to Donegal Daily there has been an overwhelming demand from Inishowen people to get their second vaccine in Carndonagh.
The health executive announced on Sunday that Inishowen residents, who received their first Covid-19 dose at LYIT, could apply to receive their second at the new centre at Carndonagh Community School.
However, one resident contacted us today to say that they couldn’t get through to the mobile number which is open between 9am and 2pm, Monday to Friday.
In response to our query, the HSE said the special helpline has been ‘exceptionally busy’ since it opened on Monday morning.
“The helpline is currently experiencing a high volume of calls which is leading to delays for some people trying to get through,” a HSE spokesperson said.
“We anticipate that the number of calls will decrease as the number of people who make contact are scheduled for their second dose. In addition, we are adding additional resources to the helpline after the weekend. We ask people to bear with us and, if they are unable to get through, to try again later.”
The spokesperson added that, in response to the helpline being so busy, and based on the demand to date, they will be running vaccination clinics over three days in Carndonagh next week.
“We would like to remind people that the helpline (087 3656492) is dedicated to calls from people who got their first dose vaccine in LYIT and would like to get their second dose in the Carndonagh vaccination centre only. All other vaccine queries should be directed to the HSE COVID-19 helpline on 1800 700 700,” they added.
“In the meantime, for anyone who is offered an appointment for their second vaccine in LYIT, our advice is to attend the appointment. If necessary, a person can change their appointment date in LYIT by responding to their appointment text or by calling HSElive on 1800 700 700. It is really important that people get their second dose as soon as it is offered so that they have the best protection against COVID-19, including against the delta variant.”
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