Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 18 April 2023
1789. Deputy Alan Dillon asked the Minister for Health if he will outline the current Covid vaccinations programme advice for vulnerable people and the elderly and those who required future boosters; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18303/23]
View answerIreland's Covid Vaccination Programme 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. The NIAC reviews all data relating to COVID-19 vaccination on a rolling basis and makes recommendations to my Department on vaccination policy.
You can view the updated guidelines here:
www.hse.ie/eng/health/immunisation/hcpinfo/guidelines/covid19.pdf
The NIAC has previously advised that a third mRNA booster is recommended for persons aged 65 years and older, and those aged 12 or older with a weak immune system, or 12 to 64 with a condition that puts you at high risk of serious illness from COVID-19 - only if your second booster dose was not a bivalent vaccine.
The NIAC has now recommended a Spring booster is offered to persons aged 70 years and older, those living in long term residential care for older adults, and those aged 5 years and older with immunocompromising conditions associated with suboptimal response to vaccination.
The NIAC will continue to examine emerging evidence regarding booster vaccines for others in the population where there is evidence of waning immunity and reduced effectiveness and will make further recommendations if required.
