CHRISTY: GET THE JAB
Aslan singer leads host of Irish celebs backing Covid vaccine
IRELAND got 10,000 doses of the Covid-19 vaccine yesterday as a host of celebrities joined forces to back it.
Aslan’s Christy Dignam, Rosanna Davison, Nathan Carter and Keith Barry were among those who told us they would get the jab. In a swipe at anti-vaxx campaigners Christy, who beat a heroin addiction, said: “People will buy a gram of coke and stick it up their nose yet they won’t take the vaccine. It doesn’t make sense.”
Last night health chiefs confirmed six further deaths and 1,296 new coronavirus cases –the highest since records began.
IRELAND received a shot in the arm yesterday as almost 10,000 doses of the Pfizer Biontech Covid-19 vaccine arrived on our shores.
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 roll out to the most vulnerable in our society.”
P rof e s s o r Br i an Mccraith, who is leading the vaccine task force, tweeted: “After a truly horrible year, the arrival of vaccines today represent a 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 adapt 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.
Aslan frontman Christy Dignam was most vocal – hitting out at antivaxxers who have stepped up their campaign against the jab.
Earlier this week a billboard was driven around Dublin carrying the unsubstantiated warning that the “vaccine causes paralysis”.
Christy, who is undergoing chemotherapy for a rare blood cancer, said he has hardly left his house since the pandemic hit and can’t wait to get back to normal.
The 60- year- old stage legend added: “I will literally ask them what arm they want. I will definitely be getting the vaccine once it becomes available.
“What kills me is that people will go out and buy a gram of coke off Eddie
with no teeth and stick it up their nose, yet are saying they won’t take the vaccine. “I think the people who are anti-vaccine, let them be, I couldn’t
give a f***. If they don’t want to get it they have to live with the consequences of that.
“It would be better for the nation if a lot of people took it as it would give that herd immunity going. I have to
take it, it’s as simple as that. I can’t really see anyone this Christmas. I have to be so careful.”
Country music star Mike Denver, 40, echoed the sentiment: “I would say do they want my left arm or right arm.
“They can put it in wherever they want as long as it gets me back working. Fingers crossed it’s going to help get us back to normal.
“There’s no point in us living this life locked up and afraid to talk to people, to go to the shops.”
Former Miss World and nutritionist Rosanna Davison said: “I’ll 100% be taking the vaccine when it becomes
What kills me is that people will go out and buy a gram of coke off Eddie with no teeth..
CHRISTY DIGNAM SLAMS ANTI-VACCINE MOVEMENT
available. I have no time for misinformation and conspiracy theories.
“The only people I’ll take advice and information about it from are the doctors and scientists.”
Writer and actor Stefanie Preisner said she would “absolutely” take the vaccine, praising public health experts as our “guiding light”.
She added: “It’s totally normal to be anxious and apprehensive about something that has been the focus of discussion for so many months now.
“But for me, I will continue to be led by public health experts and if they advise taking a vaccine, I have no reason not to trust science.”
Chat-show host Elaine Crowley said: “I’d take the vaccine in a heartbeat, the science behind it is solid as a rock.
“I think we owe it to our health professionals, our society and our families to take the vaccine as soon as it’s offered.
“I think the people spreading misinformation and false stories about taking it need to take a long hard look at themselves. Cop on.
“Your fake news could cause someone vulnerable to die. We need herd immunity, so stop pushing your dangerous agendas. “To anyone hesitating, please read the proper information from reliable sources, don’t get your information from idiots on social media who don’t know their arse from their elbow when it comes to health. “Listen to medical experts. Our lives and our country’s stability depends on it.” Fair City star Una Crawford O’brien said: “Yes I will take the vaccine, not only do we owe it to ourselves but to everyone we come in contact with. We immunise our children with the MMR vaccine and this year I had the flu vaccine so it would be ridiculous not to take it.”
RTE star Brendan Courtney said: “I will take it – and I will take it for the same reason I take the flu vaccine every year – not for myself but to protect vulnerable people – it’s irresponsible not to.”
Illusionist Keith Barry said: “I’m happy to take the vaccine to protect my parents and others.”
And jazz and blues singer Mary Coughlan, 64, said she would wait for the Moderna vaccine because she has lung disease and heart disease.
She added: “All the data that I have read suggests it’s best. So I’m happy to stay in my little bubble.”
IRISH celebs have come out in force to roll up their sleeves for a vaccine.
TV stars and musicians are queueing up to be among the first to get the anti-coronavirus jab.
This year saw live entertainment devastated as large gatherings were banned to curb the spread of the virus.
Ireland’s first batch of the Pfizer Biontech vaccine arrived on St Stephen’s Day.
And the rollout – starting with health workers and the vulnerable – begins on Wednesday.
According to HSE boss Paul Reid the twintrack approach of the vaccine and public health measures will lead to a brighter future.
Taoiseach Michael Martin tempered the hopeful scenario with a warning that normality is unlikely to return in six months.
Meanwhile, Aslan singer Christy Dignam – who is battling a rare form of cancer – said he’d be asking medics which arm they want.
And Virgin Media presenter Elaine Crowley blasted anti-vaxxers for spreading fake news that could put the vulnerable at risk.
Nursing home residents will be among the first to get some of the 10,000 doses.
Scientists believe for the jab to be effective 70% of the population have to be inoculated.
Reasoned debate and a respect for expertise are needed as Ireland takes its first tentative steps towards a return to normality.