Fórsa has called for certain civil servants, including those in social welfare offices and customs and border posts, to be included as key workers who to be prioritised for Covid-19 vaccinations once they are approved for use in Ireland.

The union welcomed the proposed prioritisation of healthcare providers, education staff and other key workers in the ‘provisional vaccine allocation groups’ published by the health department last week. 

But it said ‘frontline’ civil servants should also be included as essential workers who can’t avoid a high risk of exposure, which is the tenth priority in the published list.

Fórsa has also convinced the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform (DPER) to include public counters as areas where the use of face masks should be considered. This was set out in new guidance issued earlier this month. See point 1.8 in this FAQ document. 

The Government subsequently published a detailed national vaccination strategy, which will see Covid vaccines rolled out by a range of qualified health professionals in three phases, with the highest priority groups receiving the vaccines first.

The strategy says vaccines will be administered from long-term care facilities, hospitals, mass vaccination clinics, GP surgeries and community pharmacies.

It’s never been more important – or more easy – to get the protections and benefits of union membership. Join Fórsa HERE or contact us HERE.