Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 14 December 2021
575. Deputy Emer Higgins asked the Minister for Health if he has considered the introduction of an exemption to the need for proof of vaccination to engage in various indoor activities, specifically for those who are medically unable to receive their second dose of the Covid-19 vaccine due to a severe adverse reaction to their first dose; if not, the reason; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [61255/21]
View answer741. Deputy Peter Burke asked the Minister for Health if an update can be provided regarding proposals to accommodate those who are medically deemed unfit to be vaccinated to be allowed partake in society; if he will consider exemptions on certified medical grounds; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [61856/21]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 575 and 741 together.
The current high level of COVID-19 infection and the dominance of the significantly more transmissible Delta variant poses a very substantial threat, particularly to those who are not fully protected through vaccination. In addition, the impact of the new Omicron variant is still unknown. Public health advice remains that those who are not fully vaccinated should avoid congregated indoor settings for their own and others safety.
The National Public Health Emergency Team gave some consideration to the issues arising for those people that cannot receive a COVID-19 vaccine for medical reasons as part of its discussions on the 18th October 2021 on the continuing response to COVID-19 and the extension of Covid Pass arrangements. The matter is being given further consideration.
The Deputies may wish to be aware that on 15 July, NIAC made a recommendation, which was endorsed by the Chief Medical Officer and accepted by the Minister for Health that while the preference was for homologous vaccination regimens (using the same vaccine as part of a two dose regime) that selective use of heterologous vaccination schedules (two different vaccines used as part of two dose regime) should be permitted where a second vaccine dose of a homologous regimen is contraindicated, irrespective of whether the first dose was an mRNA or adenoviral vector vaccine. NIAC in conjunction with the RCPI and the Irish Association of Allergy and Immunology have prepared a guide to aid vaccinators and other healthcare workers on how to advise allergic individuals in respect of receiving a COVID-19 vaccine, this guide is available here: rcpi-live-cdn.s3.amazonaws.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/08/FAQs-about-COVID19-Vaccines-and-Allergies_12August2021.pdf.
