Dáil Éireann Debate, Monday - 11 September 2023
1630. Deputy Mick Barry asked the Minister for Health to report on his response to the latest wave of Covid-19; if he will support a renewal of the vaccine programme and PCR testing; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37784/23]
View answerThe COVID-19 Vaccination Programme's scope continues to be based on the advice of the National Immunisation Advisory Committee (NIAC). The HSE is currently conducting operational planning for the Autumn/Winter programme and the rollout will see a further booster rolled out to the following cohorts;
•those aged 50 years and older
•those aged 5-49 years with immunocompromise associated with a suboptimal response to vaccination
•those aged 5-49 years with medical conditions associated with a higher risk of Covid-19 hospitalisation, severe disease or death
•health and care workers
The NIAC has also advised that pregnant adolescents and adults should receive a COVID-19 booster vaccine once in pregnancy if it is more than six months since their previous COVID-19 vaccine or infection.
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.
The public health rationale for testing, case finding and tracing of infection to reduce COVID-19 transmission is now focused on mitigation of the severe impacts of COVID-19 for those most vulnerable to the disease and those with risk factors who may benefit from specific interventions.
The HSE has implemented changes to move the COVID-19 testing programme towards a longer-term, sustainable model similar to the model that exists for other respiratory diseases. Testing continues in acute hospital settings according to prevailing public health advice. Similarly, testing is also carried out when deemed necessary by Public Health in relation to the management of an outbreak or specific public health risk, such as in Long-Term Residential Care Facilities. GPs may also carry out a COVID-19 test based on a clinical assessment that the result of a test is necessary to contribute to the diagnosis and management of an individual patient.
With this, a more targeted approach for COVID-19 testing is now in place to support clinical assessment, diagnosis and management of individual “at risk” patients, while moving simultaneously to a disease surveillance-based model in line with public health guidance.
As this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the deputy directly, as soon as possible.
