Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 31 March 2021
986. Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Health if NPHET, NIAC and the HSE have taken into consideration the distinct experiences of minority groups, including ethnic minority groups, in relation to health issues and the way this impacts the Covid-19 vaccination roll-out; the way these groups ensure that minority voices are represented in the decision-making process; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16735/21]
View answerThe aim of Ireland’s COVID-19 vaccination programme strategy is to distribute all available vaccine as quickly as is operationally possible, prioritising those who are most vulnerable to COVID-19.
The programme is based on the principles of safety, effectiveness and fairness, with the objective of reducing severe illness, hospitalisations and deaths from COVID-19 infection.
The COVID-19 Vaccine Allocation Strategy sets out a provisional list of groups for vaccination. The Strategy was developed by the National Immunisation Advisory Committee (NIAC) and my Department, endorsed by the National Public Health Emergency Team (NPHET), and approved by Government. Preliminary work has already been undertaken by NIAC, in the context of Group 9 (people aged 16-64 living or working in crowded settings) listed in the Allocation Strategy, to identify those who meet the criteria of living and/or working in conditions which make social distancing difficult and further consideration will be given to finalising the composition of this cohort in the coming weeks.
There may be unintended barriers to equal access to the vaccine for minority groups. These barriers could include:
- difficulties in attending designated vaccination centres
- lack of contact with and trust in the health services
- vaccine hesitancy due to a lack of information
- low levels of health literacy or language barriers.
Advance preparation including a targeted campaign to ensure socially excluded groups can access the vaccine in accordance with the Vaccination Allocation Strategy will be key to its success. Listening and engaging with socially excluded groups is critical to building confidence in the COVID-19 vaccination programme. This will take time, resources, targeted communications and innovative delivery mechanisms.
A collaborative approach to roll out the vaccine is required with HSE addiction and inclusion health services, section 39 organisations and service users. To this end the National Social Inclusion office held a National COVID-19 Vaccine Information Web Session for Traveller and Roma service providers on 25 March 2021.
