Duncan Smith
Question:145. Deputy Duncan Smith asked the Minister for Health the advice NIAC has provided to him regarding vaccinations for 5 to 11 year olds; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [59242/21]
View answerFriday, 3 December 2021
Questions (145)
Written answers
The immunisation programme in Ireland is based on the advice of the National Immunisation Advisory Committee (NIAC). The Committee reviews data relating to Covid-19 vaccines on a rolling basis and makes recommendations on vaccination policy to my Department.
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 NIAC develops guidance for their use in Ireland which is contained in the Immunisation Guidelines for Ireland. These guidelines are continuously updated and include guidance on all new vaccines as they are approved for use in Ireland.
You can read the guidelines at: www.hse.ie/eng/health/immunisation/hcpinfo/guidelines/covid19.pdf.
On 25 November, the EMA recommended granting an extension of indication for Covid-19 vaccine Comirnaty to include use in children aged 5 to 11. The NIAC is currently reviewing these findings and will make a recommendation on the issue of vaccinations being extended to those aged 5 -11 years in due course.