Press Release: HSE move on vaccination centre access for parents without childcare welcomed
One Family, Ireland’s national organisation for people parenting alone, sharing parenting and separating has welcomed the decision by the HSE for vaccination centres to accommodate parents who have no one to look after children. The decision comes following weeks of work by One Family and following incidents of parents with children being turned away from vaccination centres.
One Family CEO Karen Kiernan said, “While it would be better if children were not brought to vaccination centres, this simply is not possible for all parents. We are pleased the HSE have listened to us and to the real experience of parents and now have a system in place for those minority of parents who must bring their children particularly as it comes at a time when younger parents are being vaccinated and schools are on holiday.”
Ms Kiernan continued, “We’d encourage parents who have a vaccination appointment and have no one to mind their child to phone HSELive on 1800 700 700. We have been assured by the HSE that vaccination centres will work with parents to arrange an alternative. We’d ask parents who have tried the number and are having issues to let us know on 016629212 and we will follow up with the HSE.”
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HSE guidelines:
If you have no one to mind your child
Phone HSELive on 1800 700 700 and ask for a new appointment if you cannot get anyone to mind your child while you get your vaccine.
If you cannot get anyone to mind your child, at any time, and you must bring them with you, phone HSE Live. They will work with your vaccination centre team to find the safest time that you can attend with your child.
Your child will need to stay with you at all times. You will need to give contact details for an emergency contact who can collect your child if you become unwell after your vaccine.
About One Family:
One Family is Ireland’s organisation for people parenting alone, sharing parenting and separating, offering support, information and services to all members of all one-parent families, to those sharing parenting, to those experiencing an unplanned pregnancy and to professionals working with one-parent families. Children are at the centre of One Family’s work and the organisation helps all the adults in their lives, including mums, dads, grandparents, step-parents, new partners and other siblings, offering a holistic model of specialist family support services.
These services include the askonefamily national helpline on 01-662 9212, counselling, and provision of training courses for parents and for professionals.
Available for Interview
Karen Kiernan, CEO | t: 01 662 9212 or 086 850 9191
Further Information/Scheduling
Noel Sweeney, Communications and Events Manager | t: 01 622 9212 or 085 7241294
