by Jerome Hughes
A SURGE in Covid cases is being linked to a significant turnout for booster vaccines following the opening of a ‘pop-up’ clinic in Letterkenny on Tuesday.
Nurses told the Donegal News that, despite the facility being open for only two hours in the afternoon at St. Conal’s, there was a consistent and steady flow of people.
Local woman Kate Doherty was one of the many who turned up at the clinic to get a booster shot.
“The second time I had Covid was last October and it was a very bad variant. I really do not want to get it again,” she said.
“I’m usually a very healthy person but this time I was totally floored. I was just very unwell with a persistent cough that took a long time to clear.
“My body was so weak. I just do not want to go down that road again. Initially, they thought I had pneumonia but after an x-ray they confirmed it was Covid.
“We will be travelling around three homes that have young children this Christmas so we’re getting boosted as a precaution.”
Her husband Brian told us that he’s just returned from a trip abroad and is trying to be careful during the festive period.
“Coming up to Christmas, being in crowded situations, I wanted to get the booster.
“We’ve decided we just can’t take any chances. It’s a good bet because generally people don’t suffer any serious reaction to the vaccine.”
Fintan Moloney has now had five Covid vaccines after turning up to St. Conal’s on Tuesday to get his booster.
“It has served me well so far and I’m not taking any chances. I had Covid 18 months ago but it was mild. This clinic is on our doorstep so I thought, why not?”
The HSE warns that protection from previous doses or a Covid infection may weaken over time. Booster doses help increase antibodies and give protection from becoming seriously ill or needing hospitalisation if you get Covid. A first booster is recommended for all adults.
Kate, Brian, and Fintan each received a single injection of the Pfizer/ BioNTech vaccine.
Booster vaccinations will be available at a number of locations in the coming days.
For details contact Primary Care Centres in Buncrana and Donegal town, Dungloe Mental Health Hub, and The Vestry at St. Conal’s in Letterkenny.
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