The Minister for Health has established a special emergency response team to tackle the growing threat of monkeypox.
There have now been 113 cases of the disease here and Stephen Donnelly has assembled the advisory group as the threat does not seem to be receding. The HSE announced on Wednesday night that they will start giving out vaccines in the next few weeks.
However, there will be a huge shortfall as they will only be able to provide 10% of 6,000 high-risk patients with jabs. But the head of the new advisory group, Chief Medical Officer Prof Breda Smyth, said she expects more deliveries of vaccines before Christmas.
Read more: 'Significant short supply' of monkeypox vaccine in Ireland
Quarantine requirements for monkeypox are severe, with recommendations from health experts of up to 21 days in isolation.
There are no special supports or payments – outside normal sick pay – available for monkeypox sufferers like there were for Covid patients. Minister Donnelly said: “Since the first monkeypox infection alert, Ireland has moved quickly to respond to the monkeypox disease outbreak. The Strategic Advisory Group will strengthen our response.
“My Department alongside the HSE, HPSC, partner agencies and stakeholders have been working hard to help prevent and reduce monkeypox infections in Ireland. We have implemented a broad range of public health measures.”
Sinn Fein health spokesman David Cullinane welcomed the establishment of the group, but warned it must act in a “transparent” and proactive way.
He added: “It is appropriate that all reasonable precautions are being taken proactively and that the health sector is prepared for any potential escalations.
“The advisory group must work to monitor and plan measures across the HSE, Department, and health sector.
“It is important the Government secures sufficient supply of the vaccine, and that people who are at high risk have a vaccine made available to them.”
Read next:
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Almost 100 cases of monkeypox cases confirmed in Ireland with 10 hospitalised
Monkeypox declared global health emergency by World Health Organisation
Health experts warn of another Covid wave as hospitals under pressure
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