Dentists and vaccinations

Sir , – It’s not encouraging to hear Minister for Health Stephen Donnelly stating that he expects to have the “large majority” of over-85s vaccinated with their first dose by Sunday, March 7th. This group represents under 2 per cent of our population. So this group will be half-way there by Sunday. There’s a long way to go from this “milestone”.

I am dentist with a team of 14 in Ratoath, Co Meath.

Many of my patients are surprised that none of us has yet been vaccinated. We were assured that we would be vaccinated by February 6th.

Most people would agree that dentists and their nurses would be considered to be a frontline risk.

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It has also been mentioned that dentists might ourselves become vaccinators. Well, having heard nothing officially in that regard, I won’t be holding my breath on that one!

Is it possible that the whole system of vaccination is beyond the Minister and the HSE? – Yours, etc,

Dr CONOR IRWIN,

Ratoath,

Co Meath.