There’s light at the end of the tunnel.

That’s the message from Cork’s Cope Foundation this week as the rollout of the Covid-19 vaccination programme for frontline staff begins in earnest.

Cope Foundation aims to enhance and support the lives of people with an intellectual disability and/or autism. Since Saturday, over 100 Cope Foundation frontline staff have received the first dose of their vaccine, administered at the South Infirmary Hospital as part of the HSE’s healthcare staff programme.

“This is great news in what has been an incredibly challenging time,” said Sean Abbott Chief Executive at COPE Foundation.

“Our staff continue to be on the front line of the nation’s fight against this deadly pandemic, and they must be supported in their efforts. Feedback from everyone has been very positive, and there was a great sense of excitement and relief from those who received their vaccine.

“It has been great for morale, and we are working with our colleagues from the HSE to see how we can accelerate the rollout of the vaccine across the organisation for the people we support.”

Cope Foundation is working with the HSE on the rollout of the vaccine across the staff service and is awaiting direction regarding the rollout to people supported by the organisation.