A number of healthcare students at the MTU Kerry campus have not consented to Covid-19 vaccines offered to them.
Radio Kerry understands that some of the students have been removed from their placements and a number will not be allowed to take up training placements as a result.
A group of students calling themselves the Higher Education Institute Consent Group have sent a letter to Professor Martin Cormican Clinical Advisor to the COVID-19 Vaccination Programme and Dr. Colm Henry Chief Clinical Officer HSE.
In the letter the HEI Consent Group state that having reviewed the National Consent Policy June 2019 and the document on consent for Covid 19 vaccination, they believe they have received sufficient information about the nature, purpose, benefits and risks of vaccination.
The letter also states that the students are making a voluntary choice to currently decline the vaccination and have the capacity to make this particular decision acknowledging elements of informed consent.
The group state they are concerned that they are being put under undue pressure to make a particular choice and that refusal may adversely impact clinical placements which leaves them in a position to be unable to make a voluntary choice that is contrary to best practice in relation to giving consent.
In a letter to third-level institutions late last month, the HSE's chief clinical officer, Dr Colm Henry, said the bans on placements for students who refuse the vaccine are necessary for the safety of patients, staff, and student.
Higher education institutes were instructed from April 1st to apply this policy to all student placements in HSE facilities.
The HSE says the rules apply to all students except in "very exceptional circumstances where there is specific and documented medical contraindication to vaccination for a healthcare student.
