Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 18 November 2021
338. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Health the details of the Covid-19 vaccine booster programme; if consideration is being given to a shortening of the timeline between a person getting the second vaccine and their eligibility for the booster vaccine; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [56747/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe 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.
On 15 November the NIAC recommended that a booster of an mRNA vaccine be offered to persons aged 16-59 years with underlying conditions, all residents in Long Term Healthcare Facilities and persons aged 50-59 years.
The booster dose should be given after an interval of six months or longer following completion of the primary course of any two-dose Covid-19 vaccine. A minimum interval of five months may be used when necessary for operational reasons. Recipients of Covid-19 vaccine Janssen should receive an mRNA booster dose after an interval of three months.
The NIAC has previously 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 60 years and older and healthcare workers. The booster dose should be given after an interval of six months (or at least five months) following the last dose of any authorised Covid-19 vaccine.
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.
