Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 19 January 2022
1406. Deputy Réada Cronin asked the Minister for Health if persons who have recovered from Covid-19 will have to wait six months for the booster vaccine given the reported highly contagious nature of the new omicron variant and its ability to reinfect; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [63135/21]
View answer1436. Deputy Neale Richmond asked the Minister for Health if he will request the National Immunisation Advisory Committee to examine the waiting period between contracting Covid-19 and receiving a booster vaccine dose given that the current six month wait is much shorter in other countries; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [63256/21]
View answer1446. Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Health if, in view of the new omicron variant of Covid-19, those who have recovered from infection with the delta variant will now be vulnerable to reinfection and as such be eligible for immediate vaccination, including booster, without having to wait six months as is currently the case; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [63285/21]
View answer1459. Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Health the length of time a person has to wait for their Covid-19 booster vaccine after having a positive PCR test; the current scientific thinking in relation to the optimum delay period in respect of the omicron variant; the consideration that is being given to shortening this period; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [63340/21]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 1406, 1436, 1446 and 1459 together.
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 21 December, the NIAC recommended that those who are fully vaccinated and have had breakthrough laboratory-confirmed COVID-19 infection should delay their booster vaccination for at least three months in accordance with the Immunisation Guidelines for Ireland. The NIAC will continue to examine emerging evidence regarding booster vaccines and will make further recommendations if required.
