Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 13 May 2021
411. Deputy David Cullinane asked the Minister for Health if he has engaged with the NIAC on the review of age limit for vaccination in particular the inclusion of children in the 12 to 15 age group who are in the very-high risk category for Covid-19; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25247/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraCOVID-19 vaccines can only be approved and used if they comply with all the requirements of quality, safety and efficacy set out in the EU pharmaceutical legislation. No vaccine will be used until Market authorisation from the European Medicines Agency (EMA) is obtained and any authorised vaccine will be subject to ongoing monitoring in Ireland by the Health Product Regulatory Authority (HPRA).
Following the recommendation for use of vaccines against COVID-19 by the European Medicines Agency (EMA) and authorisation for use by the European Commission, the National Immunisation Advisory Committee (NIAC) develops guidance for their use in Ireland which is contained in the Immunisation Guidelines for Ireland. These guidelines are continuously updated and includes guidance on all new vaccines as they are approved for use in Ireland.
The EMA has announced that it had started to evaluate an application to extend the use of the COVID-19 vaccine Comirnaty (Pfizer/BioNTech) to include young people aged 12 to 15. The EMA will communicate on the outcome of its evaluation, which is expected in June unless supplementary information is needed.
This vaccine is currently authorised for use in people aged 16 and older and is being used as part of Ireland’s vaccination programme since the 29 December 2021.
