Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 19 January 2022
1748. Deputy John Lahart asked the Minister for Health when an alternative booster shot will be available for a very small cohort of persons who have been advised for medical reasons not to receive a further vaccine (details supplied) but instead another vaccine in its place; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1582/22]
View answer1761. Deputy Paul Murphy asked the Minister for Health when a booster vaccine (details supplied) will be made available to persons who are medically vulnerable who had a myocarditis and pericarditis reaction to an mRNA vaccine, who are following the advice of a medical professional not to receive an mRNA booster and are currently on a waiting list for the booster. [1666/22]
View answer1816. Deputy Francis Noel Duffy asked the Minister for Health when high-risk persons who have been recommended a booster (details supplied) due to a myocarditis and pericarditis reaction from the mRNA vaccine can expect to receive their booster; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1933/22]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 1748, 1761 and 1816 together.
The immunisation programme in Ireland is based on the advice of the National Immunisation Advisory Committee (NIAC). The Committee makes recommendations to my Department based on the prevalence of the relevant disease in Ireland and international best practices in relation to immunisation.
The NIAC develops guidance for the use of vaccines in Ireland which is contained in the Immunisation Guidelines. These guidelines are continuously updated and include guidance on all new vaccines as they are approved for use in Ireland
The Immunisation Guidelines state that if there is a precaution to a booster mRNA vaccine, consideration can be given to boosting with an authorised non-mRNA vaccine following an individual benefit-risk assessment.
As this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the deputy directly, as soon as possible.
