Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 13 May 2021
467. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Health if he will provide clarification on a matter in relation to the second Covid-19 vaccine for certain groups (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25488/21]
View answerIreland’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 immunisation programme in Ireland is based on the advice of the National Immunisation Advisory Committee (NIAC). The Committee's recommendations are based on the prevalence of the relevant disease in Ireland and international best practice in relation to immunisation. It makes recommendations on vaccination policy to my Department. The NIAC review all data relating to COVID-19 vaccines on a rolling basis.
Following the recommendation for use of vaccines against COVID-19 by the European Medicines Agency (EMA) and authorisation for use by the European Commission, the National Immunisation Advisory Committee develops guidance for their use in Ireland which is contained in the Immunisation Guidelines for Ireland. These guidelines are continuously updated and includes guidance on all new vaccines as they are approved for use in Ireland.
You can read the guidelines at:
https://www.hse.ie/eng/health/immunisation/hcpinfo/guidelines/covid19.pdf
Vaxzevria (AstraZeneca) is authorised as a two-dose course 4-12 weeks apart.
Those who have received a first dose of Vaxzevria:
- aged 50 and older should receive their second dose 12 weeks later as scheduled. A shorter interval of 4 - <12 weeks may be used in exceptional circumstance
- aged under 50 years with a very high risk or high risk medical condition should receive their second dose 12 weeks later as scheduled
- aged under 50 years without a very high risk or high risk medical condition should have their second dose scheduled at 16 weeks, pending the availability of further evidence to permit better assessment of the benefits and risks. However, there may be others aged under 50 years who, fully informed of the very rare risk and symptoms of TTS, wish to receive their second dose after 12 weeks and they should be facilitated where feasible.
