The retailer issued a statement after the news that 18-34-year-olds could be vaccinated by pharmacists

Boots have temporarily ceased taking on vaccine bookings due to “unprecedented demand”. The news came just hours after an announcement that over 700 pharmacies across Ireland would be issuing vaccines to those aged between 18-34 from Monday, July 5th.

“We continue to proudly support the HSE COVID-19 vaccination rollout in selected pharmacies nationwide providing customers with greater options to access vaccines in their local community,” the retailer wrote on Facebook on July 2nd.

“In line with the HSE vaccination schedule, at present, from Monday 5th July people aged 18 – 34 can get vaccinated with the single-shot Janssen (Johnson & Johnson) vaccine in local pharmacies. Due to unprecedented demand we have now had to temporarily close down bookings for this service as all available appointments have been booked. We kindly ask for your understanding at this time.”

Earlier today, Health Minister Stephen Donnelly confirmed that the youngest cohort would have the option to receive single shot Johnson & Johnson from their pharmacist.

Minister Donnelly has called the move a “significant acceleration of our vaccine programme”.

Around 700 pharmacies around the country will be administering the vaccine to those that had contacted them and requested the vaccine.

The Health Minister told RTÉ’s Morning Ireland programme, “Next Monday, pharmacies will begin administering Janssen, to people aged 18 to 34, who have contacted their pharmacy, registered with their pharmacy and said, ‘I’d like to be vaccinated’,” he explained. 

Minister Donnelly also announced that the vaccine portal for 30-34-year-olds will be opened next Friday, July 9th.

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