VACC TO THE FUTURE

IRELAND received a shot in the arm yesterday as almost 10,000 doses of the Pfizer BioNTech Covid-19 vaccine arrived on our shores.

- EMMA McMENAMY and SIOBHAN O’CONNOR

The shipment touched down as Health Minister Stephen Donnelly confirmed the first jabs would be administered in three days.

He described the development as “a significant and positive step forward after a very challenging year”.

Taoiseach Micheal Martin, below, tweeted: “The first delivery of #COVID19 vaccines have arrived in Ireland – a day of great hope as we head into 2021.

“Those who work in our health services deserve huge credit as they swiftly and safely begin the rollout to the most vulnerable in our society.”

Professor Brian McCraith, who is leading the vaccine task force, tweeted: “After a truly horrible year, the arrival of vaccines today represents bright new dawn of hope.

“Vaccination is a gateway of opportunity for Irish people to protect themselves against this awful virus.”

Care home residents and some healthcare workers are due to get the first jabs.

HSE chief Paul Reid described it as a “momentous day” and said we can now adopt a “twin-track” approach to tackle the virus “for a brighter future.”

He added: “An early morning start to a momentous day. Heading off to take receipt of the first delivery of the Pfizer BioNTech vaccine for the HSE.

“There will be better days ahead for sure. For now, stay safe.”

Ireland received 9,750 doses of the vaccine yesterday but will take delivery of close to 30,000 more in the next fortnight.

Meanwhile, the Irish Sunday Mirror contacted some well-known faces for their thoughts on the vaccine – and received a resounding thumbs up.