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Vaccination Programme

Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 19 January 2022

Wednesday, 19 January 2022

Questions (1941)

Róisín Shortall

Question:

1941. Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Health the position for persons who suffered an adverse reaction to their first Covid-19 vaccination dose and who needed hospital treatment as a result; if such persons who have medical evidence, for example, from a consultant neurologist, recommending against taking a second vaccination dose will have provision made to allow attendance in a premises and or venue covered by the domestic Covid-19 certificate and also for the purposes of travelling abroad; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2641/22]

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Written answers

The immunisation programme in Ireland is based on the advice of the National Immunisation Advisory Committee (NIAC). The Committee's recommendations are based on the prevalence of the relevant disease in Ireland and international best practices in relation to immunisation. It makes recommendations on vaccination policy to my Department.

The HSE has been advised to operationalise updated NIAC guidance in relation to the mixing of vaccines, specifically relating to certain people who are yet to complete a two-dose Covid-19 vaccine regimen.

The NIAC advice on heterologous vaccination relates to:

Individuals who have already had a first dose of Vaxzevria® (AstraZeneca) and who did not complete the vaccination schedule as recommended and have requested an mRNA second dose. If an mRNA vaccine is used as a second dose, it should be given after an interval of at least 28 days and the person should be considered fully vaccinated.

Those with a contraindication to one mRNA COVID-19 vaccine should not receive another authorised mRNA vaccine. Consideration may be given to non-mRNA vaccination for anyone 18 and older including pregnant women. This should be given after an interval of at least 28 days and the person should be considered fully vaccinated.

It is important to note that the number of people with an absolute contraindication to Covid-19 vaccination is very small. There are very few people who cannot receive one of the current vaccines due to pre-existing allergies or history of anaphylaxis.

The current high level of Covid-19 infection poses a very substantial threat, particularly to those who are not fully protected through vaccination. Public health advice remains that those who are not fully vaccinated should avoid congregated indoor settings for their own and others safety. My Department is considering the issues arising for those people that cannot receive a Covid-19 vaccine for medical reasons.

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