Covid vaccinations in St Mary’s Hospital, Phoenix Park

Eamonn Hughes, a 75 year-old man who is originally from Cavan and lived in Meath for 40 years, has become the first resident in St Mary’s Hospital, HSE Community Healthcare Organisation Dublin North City and County (HSE CHO DNCC) to be vaccinated against Covid-19.

Eamonn got the vaccine today alongside healthcare workers who were also vaccinated. Speaking after being vaccinated, Eamonn said: 

“The vaccine is so important.

“I look forward to my wife Rose and daughters Sharon and Paula and grand-daughters Alexandria and Saoirse visiting again, and when the weather is nice I like to go outside to see nature, and to get inspiration for my art, I’m looking forward to going outside again.”

Michael Farrelly, aged 89 from the South Circular Road also had his vaccine this morning and said, “I welcome the vaccine, hopefully it will help me see my son and two grandchildren again.”

Ligimol Varghese, Assistant Director of Nursing working in St Mary’s Hospital, the first member of staff who was vaccinated, said “It’s important we get vaccinated and protect the people we care for.

“It is very important people under our care feel safe and protected, which is why I am getting vaccinated.”

Each person received a HSE vaccine information leaflet, along with more detailed manufacturer’s patient information leaflet, before getting the vaccine.

Afterwards, each person vaccinated was given a vaccine record card, showing the name and batch of the vaccine they have received.

They will each return for their second dose, to be fully protected, in three weeks.

Mellany McLoone, Chief Officer said: “For the residents, their families and our staff in St Mary’s Hospital, today is a significant moment in our ongoing response to COVID-19.

“St Mary’s Hospital experienced the effects of Covid-19 last year, and the Vaccination Programme provides hope.

“Today, in St Mary’s, our other residential care settings, and over time, we can see the role the Vaccination Programme will have in helping manage the transmission in our community.

“However as vaccination is being implemented on a phased basis, it is important we all as a community continue to maintain good hand hygiene, wear a face-covering as needed, maintain social distance and minimise social contacts.”

Essene Cassidy, Head of Older Persons Services added: “Across all of our nursing homes, Covid-19 has been incredibly difficult, directly impacting the day to day life of our residents, their families and our staff. Residents within St Mary’s campus have been extremely understanding and supportive of us throughout this time, and it is so positive that the Covid-19 Vaccination Programme, will work to support them as we move forward into 2021.

“We thank residents and families for their support and patience at the current time.”

Worldwide, vaccines save at least 2-3 million lives each year – and protect many more from crippling and lifelong illnesses.

Only Covid-19 vaccines that have been authorised by the European Medicines Agency, having met stringent safety and effectiveness standards, will be used in Ireland.

All COVID-19 vaccines will be carefully monitored over time and updated safety data and information will be published and shared by the HSE, on our website and in our printed information materials.