Seán Sherlock
Ceist:827. Deputy Sean Sherlock asked the Minister for Health the clinical requirements for booster shots for Covid-19; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [50984/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraTuesday, 19 October 2021
Ceisteanna (827)
Freagraí scríofa
On 8 September, I announced an update to the Covid-19 vaccination programme following advice from the National Immunisation Advisory Committee (NIAC).
The NIAC has recommended a booster dose of an mRNA vaccine (irrespective of whether the primary vaccination course was of an mRNA or adenoviral vector) for residents aged 65 years and older living in Long Term Residential Care Facilities and for those aged 80 years and older living in the community. The booster dose can be given after a minimum interval of six months following completion of the primary vaccination schedule.
I have accepted this advice and the HSE has made the necessary arrangements to operationalise these recommendations with the booster rollout now underway. The NIAC continues to examine emerging evidence regarding booster vaccines for those with waning immunity and reduced effectiveness in other groups.