The Government's planned vaccine rollout for the over 70s is in disarray following the decision to only administer the AstraZenica jab to those 69 and under.
Those over the age of 65 in long-term residential care will also be given the Pfizer or Moderna vaccine as first preference.
Plans are likely to be delayed by two or three weeks for people aged between 70-80 as health officials are forced to draw up changes.
Rather than receive the vaccinations in their GPs office, it now looks like they will be administered in parish halls and community centres in "pop-up" centres where groups of GPs come together.
This is because the Pfizer and Moderna vaccines, which are preferred for those over 70, will need to be stored at a much lower temperature.
It was hoped that the AstraZenica vaccine could be used to speed up the vaccination process in Ireland as it can be stored at a similar temperature to others such as the flu vaccine.
But now, due to the concerns over its effectiveness in those over 65, and the issues with supply, that plan appears to be on the backburner.
It may also lead to a revision of the deal the Government has with GPs across the country for the rollout of the vaccine.
It's expected that up to 400,000 doses of the AstraZenica vaccine will be in Ireland by the end of March, with the first batch of 35,000 to arrive in Ireland by next week.
For the latest news and breaking news visit dublinlive.ie/news.
Get all the big headlines, pictures, analysis, opinion and video on the stories that matter to you.
Follow us on Twitter @DublinLive - the official Dublin Live Twitter account - real news in real time.
We're also on Facebook/dublinliveonline - your must-see news, features, videos and pictures throughout the day from the capital.
