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Covid-19 Pandemic

Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 13 January 2021

Wednesday, 13 January 2021

Questions (1020)

Johnny Guirke

Question:

1020. Deputy Johnny Guirke asked the Minister for Health if it is safe for persons aged under 16 years and women who are pregnant to receive a vaccine for Covid-19; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1445/21]

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Written answers

Ireland is taking part in a Procurement Exercise being operated by the European Commission on behalf of Member States to procure suitable, safe and effective vaccines, in sufficient quantities, to combat COVID-19.

Covid 19 vaccines can only be approved and used if they comply with all the requirements of quality, safety and efficacy set out in the EU pharmaceutical legislation. Any authorised vaccine will be subject to ongoing monitoring in Ireland by the Health Product Regulatory Authority (HPRA).

On 6 January, the EU Commission granted approval for conditional marketing authorisation for the COVID-19 vaccine, developed by Moderna, to prevent COVID-19 in people from 18 years of age following recommendation by the European Medicines Agency (EMA).

On 21 December, the EU Commission granted approval for conditional marketing authorisation for the vaccine Comirnaty, developed by BioNTech and Pfizer, to prevent COVID-19 in people from 16 years of age following recommendation by the European Medicines Agency (EMA).

No vaccine is currently indicated for those under 16 years of age.

There is no evidence that COVID-19 vaccine is unsafe if you're pregnant or breastfeeding.

Pregnant women should talk to their obstetrician or GP when the time comes to get the COVID-19 vaccine.

Further information is available here:

https://www2.hse.ie/screening-and-vaccinations/covid-19-vaccine/covid-19-vaccine-and-pregnancy.html

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