Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 19 January 2022
1704. Deputy Jackie Cahill asked the Minister for Health the status of the roll-out of Covid-19 booster vaccinations for children aged 12 to 15; if the issue is under consideration by either the National Immunisation Advisory Council or the European Medicines Agency; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1366/22]
View answer1746. Deputy Réada Cronin asked the Minister for Health when booster vaccines will be sanctioned for those under 16 years of age given the number of parents anxious their children should avail of same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1572/22]
View answer1772. Deputy Eoin Ó Broin asked the Minister for Health the reason for the delay for high-risk young persons attempting to access a booster vaccine via the online portal; and if he has plans to address this delay. [1770/22]
View answer1842. Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Health when 12 to 15 year olds with underlying conditions will be provided with a booster vaccination. [2056/22]
View answer1844. Deputy Mark Ward asked the Minister for Health when he expects the roll-out of the Covid-19 booster programme to those under 16 years of age; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2060/22]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 1704, 1746, 1772, 1842 and 1844 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.
The NIAC has recommended that a booster dose of an mRNA vaccine (irrespective of whether the primary vaccination course was of an mRNA or adenoviral vector) be offered to those aged 16 years and older with the rollout now underway. The NIAC will continue to examine emerging evidence regarding booster vaccines and will make further recommendations if required.
