The information in this article was based on correspondence from the HSE on August 23. We have since learned that not all pharmacies are offering the vaccines as stated here. The advice, however, is to contact the pharmacy in question to see what their current situation is.
16 Laois pharmacies have signed up to provide Covid-19 vaccines for those aged 12 and over – the HSE has confirmed.
Five of these are in Portlaoise – Boots in the Laois Shopping Centre in Portlaoise, Breslin Pharmacy in Parkside Shopping Centre in Portlaoise, Mihealth Pharmacy in The Kyle Centre, Kilminchy Pharmacy Kilminchy Court, Dublin Road and Laois Pharmacy.
It is not specified which vaccine Kilminchy are offering while Laois Pharmacy, Boots, Breslins and Mihealth are only administering Janssen
While a further four are in Portarlington – Adrian Dunne Pharmacy, Breslin and McGreal Pharmacy, Portarlington Pharmacy in Eglington House and McCarthy’s Pharmacy.
Adrian Dunne, Portarlington Pharmacy and McCarthy’s Pharmacy are offering Pfizer and Janssen while Breslin and McGreal is just offering Janssen.
Two are in Rathdowney – Clarke’s CarePlus Pharmacy (Pfizer and Janssen) and Flynn’s Medical Hall (Janssen only)
Another two are in Mountmellick – McElwee Pharmacy in O’Connell Square and Mountmellick Local Pharmacy in Lord Edward Street with both offering Pfizer and Janssen.
Chemco’s two pharmacies in Stradbally and Graiguecullen will also administer both vaccines while Clonaslee Pharmacy will just provide Janssen.
For people wishing to avail of this service, they can simply make contact with their nearest pharmacy listed online here and book an appointment.
Des O’flynn Chief Officer, Midlands Louth Meath Community Healthcare Organisation said: “Support from pharmacies is instrumental in ensuring access to vaccines for people in the community who may not be in a position to get to one of our HSE vaccination centres.
‘We would encourage people to take up a vaccination at a participating pharmacy, or at a HSE centre, if they have yet to receive a vaccine.
“Please be assured that all those participating in the vaccine rollout have received dedicated training to ensure the safe and effective administration of the vaccine.
The HSE thanks the Irish Pharmacy Union (IPU) and our local participating pharmacies for their continued support to ensure we can roll out the vaccine in as safe and timely a manner as possible.”
Darragh O’Loughlin, Secretary General of the Irish Pharmacy Union (IPU) said: “Vaccines are the most effective way to protect ourselves and our loved ones from the effects of COVID-19 and pharmacists are delighted to be playing their part in the COVID-19 National Vaccination Programme.
“We’ve been administering vaccinations in pharmacies for over ten years so people are used to being vaccinated by their local pharmacist.
“Vaccination centres have done a great job in rolling out the vaccine but we’re aware that some people may feel more comfortable getting the vaccine in a local pharmacy, often from someone they know.
“Over 740 community pharmacies are administering the COVID-19 vaccination around the country so people should not have to travel far to get vaccinated.
“Supplies and deliveries of vaccines will vary from week to week depending on demand.”
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