101-year-old Bridget (Biddy) Connolly gets the first Covid-19 jab

101-year-old Bridget (Biddy) Connolly from Meanus, the first resident at St Ita’s Community Nursing Unit Newcastle West to receive theCOVID-19 vaccine from peer vaccinator Irene Mulcaire from Newcastlewest, and Margaret Larkin (St. Ita’s).

101-year-old Bridget  (Biddy) Connolly from Meanus has become the first resident at St Ita’s Community Nursing Unit in Newcastle West to be vaccinated against COVID-19. She got the vaccine alongside healthcare workers from the unit. Biddy was delighted to receive the vaccine as she chatted about her love of hurling and how she can’t wait to see Limerick back on the pitch to win another All Ireland hurling title in 2021. She is also an avid horse racing fan and a great follower of Limerick racehorse owner J.P. McManus. All St. Ita’s staff, residents and their families were given a HSE vaccine information leaflet, along with a more detailed manufacturer’s patient information leaflet, before getting the vaccine. Afterwards, each person vaccinated was given a vaccine record card, showing the name and batch of the vaccine they have received. They will each return for their second dose, to be fully protected, in three weeks.
Noreen Conway, Director of Nursing, St Ita’s Community Nursing Unit, Newcastle West said: “We’ve been waiting patiently all week for the vaccine to arrive and we were thrilled early this morning to see the HSE vaccination team arrive on site with the COVID-19 vaccine. There is a great sense of excitement among our residents and staff who by tomorrow will all have received their first COVID-19 vaccinations. It is a great way to start 2021.”
Mary O’Brien, Head of Service, Older Persons, HSE Mid-West Community Healthcare said: “It is another great day as we see our first residents and staff in Limerick Community Nursing Units receive their COVID-19 vaccination. I am delighted the roll-out of the COVID vaccine is continuing across our Community Nursing Units in the mid-west this week. The remaining units will receive the first dose of the vaccine in the next ten days. All residents and staff welcome the vaccine and uptake remains really high in our residential settings.”