Increased pollen concentrations correlate with higher SARS-CoV-2 infection rates, recent research has concluded. When airborne pollen levels are higher, increased SARS-CoV-2 infection rates can be…
Call for pharmacists to be utilised to stop vaccine targets being missed
As the HSE struggled to meet its Covid-19 vaccine campaign targets, the Irish Pharmacy Union (IPU) urged the Minister for Health to boost vaccination capacity…
Study uncovers relationship between travel and spread of SARS-CoV-2 variants
Anna Wedderburn reports on a recent Irish study that demonstrated the link between the second wave of Covid-19 and international travel A study led by…
Escape to victory: New research shows how SARS-CoV-2 mutates to evade antibody binding
In a recurring pattern of evolution, the Covid-19 virus escapes immune responses by selectively deleting small parts of its genetic sequence, according to new research…
Scientists develop new technique that rapidly quantifies immune response following vaccination
A global team of researchers has developed a new strategy for fast and reliable antibody tests, which can quantify the immune response induced by vaccination…
European Medicines Agency publishes new information on Covid vaccines
The European Medicines Agency (EMA) has announced that it has published new information on the latest additions to its Covid-19 web page and the precautionary…
Pharmacists ‘have solutions to some of the Covid vaccine complications’
The Irish Pharmacy Union has urged Government to supply community pharmacists immediately with the AstraZeneca vaccine so they can start vaccinating frontline healthcare workers who…
FIP develops tool to support regulators in implementing pharmacy-based vaccination programmes to combat pandemic
Ministries of health and regulators can now make use of a tool produced by the International Pharmaceutical Federation (FIP) to enhance strategies and create the…
PSI approves pharmacist training on Covid-19 vaccine
The PSI has approved the HSE National Immunisation Office (NIO) training for the Covid-19 vaccination programme. Completion of this training will allow pharmacists who are…
National Covid vaccination programmes ‘must take local storage conditions into account’
Mass vaccinations which need to be carried out to decrease the impact that Covid-19 has on Europe will confront health systems and healthcare professionals with…
Plan to allow pharmacists vaccinate public against Covid-19 welcomed
The Irish Pharmacy Union (IPU) has welcomed the recent announcement by Government of funding that will allow for a comprehensive community-based Covid-19 vaccination campaign. Speaking…
FIP launches Commitment to Action on improving vaccination coverage through pharmacies
As part of a new International Pharmaceutical Federation (FIP) Commitment to Action on Improving vaccination coverage through pharmacies, pharmacists, pharmacy technicians, pharmaceutical scientists and pharmacy…
The case for increasing buprenorphine use as OST during Covid-19
Consultant in Addiction Psychiatry Dr Ciaran Somers analyses the potential advantages of an accelerated move to buprenorphine from methadone in pharmacies and GP clinics during…
A shot in the arm for Covid treatment
TILDA scientists have revealed vital evidence to inform HSE Covid-19 vaccine roll-out and boost uptake and efficacy of the vaccine in older adults As vaccination…
Pharmacy staff ‘must be prioritised for Covid vaccine’
Pharmacists are under unprecedented pressure as Covid-19 infection rates continue to fluctuate but despite the levels of exposure they are facing, they are receiving no…
Pharmacists’ key role in vaccine plan welcomed but ‘bureaucracy must be streamlined’
The Irish Pharmacy Union (IPU) has welcomed the central role that will be played by pharmacists in Ireland’s Covid-19 vaccination campaign. However, following the publication…
FIP expert group issues advice for pharmacists on Covid-19 tests
To help pharmacists advise people on Covid-19 tests, the International Pharmaceutical Federation (FIP) has issued a guidance document produced by FIP’s SARS-CoV-2 Testing Working Group,…
Dangers of ‘fake news’ during the Covid-19 pandemic
New research from University College Cork has highlighted the dangers of misinformation in relation to the Covid-19 ‘infodemic’. The research, which has been published in…
People urged not to present at pharmacies while awaiting Covid-19 test results
Pharmacists are increasingly concerned that people awaiting Covid-19 test results continue to present at pharmacies, and the Irish Pharmacy Union (IPU) is reiterating the HSE…
Robotic project used for Covid data could be extended in flu season
A surveillance robot project recently deployed by the HSE during Covid-19 data processing may be used for other respiratory infections during the coming flu season,…
Government urged to ‘repay the commitment’ of pharmacists during Covid-19
Marking World Pharmacists Day on 25 September, the Irish Pharmacy Union (IPU) paid tribute to the dedication shown by the country’s pharmacists throughout the Covid-19…
Lessons learned from Covid-19 — EAHP survey on the future crisis preparedness of hospital pharmacies
The European Association of Hospital Pharmacists (EAHP) has launched a survey to collect information on the lessons learned from the Covid-19 pandemic. The survey on…
Clinical trial shows common steroid improves recovery and survival for Covid-19 ICU patients
A global study involving more than 200 intensive care units around the world has found that delivering intravenous hydrocortisone, a corticosteroid, improves recovery and survival…
Majority of migraine sufferers experiencing more frequent & severe migraines during pandemic
A new survey has revealed that patients have been suffering with more frequent and severe migraines since the beginning of the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic Migraine sufferers…
70% fear they may mistake Covid-19 symptoms for hay fever
The Asthma Society of Ireland recently released the results of its Hay Fever Survey, which found that seven-in-10 people who have both asthma and hay…
QUB research to begin on bacterial co-infections in Covid-19 and drug repurposing
A research team from Queen’s University Belfast (QUB) has been awarded a £500,000 UK Research and Innovation (UKRI) Rapid Response Fund grant to investigate the…
Covid-19 Tracker App
Irish Covid-19 tracker app ‘incompatible with a recommendation for population-wide usage’ due to privacy concerns — TCD researchers Prof Doug Leith and Dr Stephen Farrell…
FIP updates Covid-19 guidance for pharmacists
The latest global guidance to support the pharmacy profession through the Covid-19 pandemic has been released by the International Pharmaceutical Federation (FIP). The guidance consists…
Research on impact of bacterial co-infections and antimicrobial resistance in Covid-19
A team of researchers from Queen’s University Belfast have identified new problems linked to the disease and warn of a sharp rise in antimicrobial resistance…
Sharing of Covid-19 misinformation linked to ‘social media overload’ and lack of trust in online information
A study carried out by the JE Cairnes School of Business and Economics at NUI Galway has examined the triggers leading people to share Covid-19…