Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 13 January 2021
759. Deputy Cathal Crowe asked the Minister for Health if he plans to restrict access to services or activities to persons who choose not to receive a Covid-19 vaccination; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44684/20]
View answer812. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Health his views on a matter (details supplied) regarding vaccine passports; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44900/20]
View answer939. Deputy Seán Canney asked the Minister for Health if a vaccine certificate is part of his implementation plan; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1135/21]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 759, 812 and 939 together.
It is important to differentiate between a vaccine certificate, the purpose of which is to identify and monitor people who have been vaccinated, with the notion of an immunity passport which might exempt people from public health measures on the basis that the person is purportedly immune to SARS-CoV-2.
Vaccine certificates are required in order to keep track of which vaccine (including which batch of a vaccine) has been given to a person and on which dates. This allows for follow up and monitoring of any adverse events. The HSE is planning for the production of Vaccine certificates at part of its implementation planning for a Covid 19 vaccination programme.
Immunity passports are problematic on a number of grounds. It is not yet clear if the proposed vaccines for Covid 19 actually stop people getting the virus. It is also not clear whether the thresholds for protective immunity are the same in all groups e.g. older persons or those who are immunosuppressed. Thus, it is premature to discuss immunity passports due to the many uncertainties that still exist regarding immunity against the novel corona virus. The WHO has cautioned Governments against introducing immunity passports at this time and has advised that the focus should be on vaccine certificates.
