The new AstraZeneca vaccine that is proposed for use by GPs and pharmacists in the national rollout of the COVID vaccine is very similar to the flu vaccine and easier to administer through the usual distribution systems. That’s according to Loughrea based pharmacist Eoghan Hanly, the President of the Irish Pharmacy Union (IPU).

The Cabinet has today approved a 91 million euro plan that will allow GPs and pharmacists to administer Covid vaccines. Recipients will not be charged for the vaccination.

The deal will allow both pharmacists and GPs to give the AstraZeneca vaccine once it's approved by the European Medicines Agency at the end of the month.

Eoghan told Midwest News this evening that because pharmacies are located locally they are the most accessible part of the health care system for most people and so will make it easier for many to secure their jab rather than having to travel to mass vaccination centres when they are on the list for receipt of the vaccine.

He said the  AstraZeneca vaccine has a number of advantages over the vaccines being delivered at present in Ireland, in that it can be stored in a regular fridge and can be distributed through more established distribution centres, already set up for the distribution of the flu vaccine