HSE reveals it may use local schools as vaccine centres this winter

The HSE is considering where to administer Covid-19 vaccines in Offaly this winter, saying one possibility was the use of a mobile unit, while schools being used to deliver vaccines during the mid-term or Christmas holidays was another option.

In neighbouring Westmeath, the Moate Community Centre reopened as a vaccination hub on Monday last, having been closed since June.

Offaly's vaccine centre in Mucklagh closed in late May and since then the HSE has been administering jabs at weekend 'pop-up' clinics in the Tullamore Primary Care Centre.

In response to a query from the Offaly Independent this week, a HSE spokesperson said the use of the Primary Care Centre for vaccinations at weekends would continue.

"The use of a mobile unit is being explored," said the spokesperson. "The HSE is also negotiating with some schools should there be a demand to open at mid-term or Christmas holidays."

Health Minister Stephen Donnelly said there had been a "significant" increase in the number of people in hospital with Covid-19 over the last week.

He suggested there was a possibility that mandatory mask-wearing might be reintroduced in certain settings in the coming months.