Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 27 July 2021
1546. Deputy Pa Daly asked the Minister for Health the position regarding the combination of Covid-19 vaccine brands for the first and second doses; the evidence considered as acceptable as proof of full vaccination in such circumstances; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34150/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraIreland’s COVID-19 vaccination programme strategy is to distribute all available vaccines as quickly as is operationally possible, prioritising those who are most vulnerable to COVID-19. The programme is based on the principles of safety, effectiveness and fairness, with the objective of reducing severe illness, hospitalisations and deaths from COVID-19 infection.
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 NIAC review all data relating to COVID-19 vaccines on a rolling basis. 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 NIAC develops guidance for their use in Ireland which is contained in the Immunisation Guidelines for Ireland.
These guidelines are continuously updated and include guidance on all new vaccines as they are approved for use in Ireland. The current Guidelines state: There are currently four COVID-19 Vaccines authorised for use in Ireland. The vaccines are not interchangeable.For vaccines that have a two-dose schedule, the same vaccine should be used for both doses.
You can read the guidelines at: www.hse.ie/eng/health/immunisation/hcpinfo/guidelines/covid19.pdf
There is insufficient evidence to recommend a change from the authorised two-dose Vaxzevria® schedule or to support giving an mRNA vaccine instead of the second dose of Vaxzevria®. There is a need for further evidence on the safety and effectiveness of mixed (heterologous)vaccine schedules. Further information is expected in the coming months which may warrant an update of these recommendations.
Those who started their COVID-19 schedule with a vaccine not authorised for use or unavailable in Ireland should be offered one dose of any authorised COVID-19 vaccine. The recipient should then be regarded as fully vaccinated.
