People in Carndonagh, Buncrana and Stranorlar are being urged to get their COVID-19 vaccines at pop-up clinics this weekend.
More than 1,000 cases of COVID-19 have been notified in Donegal over the past 14 days.
Ahead of the Christmas season, Health Services in the North West and Donegal County Council are encouraging people to get protected.
Cara O’Neill, CHO1 COVID-19 Vaccination Lead and Head of Health and Wellbeing said, “We have made great progress in combating COVID-19 this year, but unfortunately cases remain high in some areas. We’re also aware that the uptake of the vaccine remains lower in a number of electoral areas in Donegal. Just think if you get your first and second vaccine in November/early December you will be fully protected in advance of the Christmas season. Vaccines are working and helping to prevent severe illness across Ireland.”
Free vaccines are available at the pop-up clinics below, with no appointment neccessary:
Cardonagh – Colgan Hall
- Friday 05 November: 12noon to 8pm
- Saturday 06 November: 10am to 6pm
- Sunday 07 November: 10am to 6pm
Buncrana – Gateway Hotel
- Friday 05 November: 12noon to 8pm
- Saturday 06 November: 10am to 6pm
- Sunday 07 November: 10am to 6pm
Stranorlar – St Mary’s Parish Centre, F93 EK52
- Friday 05 November: 12noon to 8pm
- Saturday 06 November: 10am to 6pm
- Sunday 07 November: 10am to 6pm
Dr Anthony Breslin, Director of Public Health North West said, “COVID-19 is continuing to spread in our communities in Donegal. The community transmission that we are currently observing in Donegal relates to cases and outbreaks associated with social interactions and gatherings.
“I am appealing to the people of Donegal to keep your guard up and adhere to the public health guidelines – wear a face covering, observe hand and respiratory etiquette, practice social distancing and attention to maintain good ventilation. If you display cold or flu symptoms like cough, fever, headache, sore throat and blocked or runny nose, self-isolate immediately and arrange a free PCR test through the HSE as soon as possible.”
Paul Hooton, Saolta Executive lead for the rollout of the vaccination programme in the West and North West said, “We want to make it as easy as possible for people to get their vaccine. The pop-up vaccination clinics this weekend are open to anyone who has yet to receive their first vaccine and to anyone who needs to get a second dose, as long as 21 days have passed since their first dose.”
“We are also encouraging people who had a first dose of the AstraZeneca vaccine and who didn’t want to get a second dose of this vaccine, to come forward. You can get a second dose Pfizer vaccine at the pop-up vaccination clinic and then you will be fully vaccinated.
“The COVID-19 vaccine is free of charge and will give you protection against COVID-19. We look forward to seeing you at one of our clinics later this week.”
Other options for getting a COVID-19 Vaccine
In addition to the pop-up clinics this week, people who would like to get their COVID-19 vaccine can:
Register online or by phone: People can register online at hse.ie for an appointment at the Letterkenny Vaccination Centre if aged 16 or over. Parents of 12-15 year olds can register their children. Or call HSELive on 1800 700 700 for a vaccination centre appointment.
Go to a participating Pharmacy or GP: There are now more pharmacies and GPs offering vaccines to people aged 12 and over. There is a list of pharmacies giving the free COVID-19 vaccine in Donegal on hse.ie.
Go to a Walk-in Clinic at the Letterkenny Vaccination Centre: There are walk-in vaccination clinics in the Letterkenny Vaccination Centre on the Kilmacrennan Road every week. No appointment is needed. The details of the dates and times are listed on hse.ie and are updated weekly. This week there are clinics on the following dates and times:
· Wednesday 3 November, 9.30am to 5.30pm
· Thursday 4 November, 9.30am to 5.30 pm
· Friday 5 November, 10.15am to 6.30pm
