Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 15 February 2022
749. Deputy Aindrias Moynihan asked the Minister for Health the timeline for the booster roll-out to children under 14 years of age given the changes in the EU Digital COVID Certificate requirements for travel abroad; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7881/22]
View answer835. Deputy Willie O'Dea asked the Minister for Health when children under 16 years of will receive the booster vaccine; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8164/22]
View answer896. Deputy Cathal Crowe asked the Minister for Health when the booster vaccine for Covid-19 will be offered to 12-to-16-year-olds [8370/22]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 749, 835 and 896 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.
