Skip to main content
Normal View

Vaccination Programme

Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 1 December 2021

Wednesday, 1 December 2021

Questions (186)

Mick Barry

Question:

186. Deputy Mick Barry asked the Minister for Health if there are plans to put the infrastructure in place to administer a third dose of Covid-19 vaccines to all age groups following the advice of the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control on third doses; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [59215/21]

View answer

Written answers

The immunisation programme in Ireland is based on the advice of the National Immunisation Advisory Committee (NIAC). The NIAC makes recommendations on vaccination policy to my Department based on the prevalence of the relevant disease in Ireland and international best practices in relation to immunisation.

On 25 November the NIAC recommended that a booster of an mRNA vaccine be offered to persons aged 16-49 years. The Chief Medical Officer (CMO) has endorsed the latest NIAC recommendations. Booster vaccines should be offered to those in previously recommended groups before progression to the younger age cohorts.

On 15 November the NIAC recommended that a booster of an mRNA vaccine be offered to persons aged 16-59 years with underlying conditions, all residents in Long Term Healthcare Facilities and persons aged 50-59 years. The CMO has endorsed the NIAC recommendations and written to the HSE requesting the recommendations be operationalised as soon as possible.

The NIAC has previously recommended that an mRNA booster be offered to those aged 60 years and older and healthcare workers. I have accepted this advice and the HSE has made the necessary arrangements to operationalise these recommendations with the booster rollout now underway.

The booster dose should be given after a minimum interval of five months following the last dose of an authorised Covid-19 vaccine. Those who received Covid-19 vaccine Janssen as their primary vaccination should receive an mRNA booster after an interval of three months. The NIAC will continue to examine emerging evidence regarding booster vaccines. 

Top
Share