AstraZeneca and the left-behind 50s

Sir, – Very many people in their 60s have yet to receive their second dose of the AstraZeneca vaccine. Assurances have been given that these people will receive their second dose by July 19th.

However another cohort, those in their 50s, will have to wait longer, in some cases much longer to receive their vital second dose.

I am 59 years-old and was informed on Friday by a HSE helpline that my second vaccination of AstraZeneca will not be issued until August at the earliest, and even more shockingly possibly as late as September.

To say I’m livid would be an understatement when I know people in their 40s that are now fully vaccinated and some in their mid-30s who will be fully vaccinated by the end of this month.

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With the imminent arrival of one million doses of the Pfizer vaccine from Romania, it is time to do what many other European countries are doing and start mixing the vaccines.

– Is mise,

NIALL KIERNAN,

Castleconnell,

Co. Limerick.

Sir, – The vaccination of the 18-34 age group commenced yesterday. Those who receive the vaccine from participating pharmacies are now fully vaccinated with a one-shot vaccine. I’m delighted for them and the reassurance that must bestow.

And yet there are so many of us in the 60-plus age group who have not yet received our second vaccine in order to be fully vaccinated. Apparently we are seen as expendable.

– Yours, etc,

DEBORAH BLACOE,

Howth, Dublin 13.