Statement from Philip Watt, Chief Executive, Cystic Fibrosis Ireland, concerning updated Vaccine Allocation Strategy

Cystic Fibrosis Ireland (CFI) broadly welcomes the updated vaccine allocation strategy announced by the Government this evening, Tuesday, 23rd February, 2021.

The main welcome change is that those with cystic fibrosis (CF) (and a wide number of other named patient groups) who are very high risk from COVID-19 are now designated a new cohort 4. Previously, their vaccination status was not explicitly stated and an anomaly in the vaccination designation list.

Those with CF who are high risk from COVID-19 remain in cohort 7.

CFI welcomes the increased prioritisation for the most vulnerable people with CF and other medically vulnerable groups in this announcement. The other groups of patients include those with severe chronic kidney disease; very vulnerable cancer patients; severe forms of rare diseases; COPD and pre- and post-transplant patients, for example.

CFI notes that some CF patients will qualify for cohort 4 vaccination prioritisation on multiple grounds as they may have CF, but they may also be waiting for or have a double lung transplant and other co-morbidities/illnesses.

CFI thanks Minister Stephen Donnelly TD, the Government and the HSE. This reprioritisation has given many of the most medically vulnerable people in Ireland a stronger sense of hope today. However, CFI urges a strong ongoing focus on all those at high risk in cohort 7 and we urge that further consideration and flexibility should be given to the prioritisation for this group, along with vulnerable carers, as the pace of vaccination increases.

CFI takes this opportunity to again thank all frontline medical staff, including those working on CF and COVID 19.

ENDS

For further information/interviews: Philip Watt, CEO, Cystic Fibrosis Ireland. Tel.: 087 6370557