I wish to advise the Deputy that on the 11th November, the NPHET endorsed the recommendation of the HIQA that the period of presumptive protective immunity following infection with SARS-CoV-2 should remain at nine months post-infection at this time, subject to ongoing review and monitoring of national surveillance data and research evidence. The NPHET further accepted the HIQA’s advice that communication campaigns should continue to encourage people to come forward for vaccination, including those who have been previously infected with SARS-CoV-2.The HIQA advice is available here: www.hiqa.ie/reports-and-publications/health-technology-assessment/duration-protective-immunity-protection.
As is standard in epidemiological models, the Irish Epidemiological and Advisory Group’s (IEMAG) modelling work assumes that infection with SARS-CoV-2 confers very long lasting immunity. The models have been adapted to allow for waning of vaccine induced immunity, and are also being adapted to allow for waning of infection-induced immunity.
The IEMAG’s work is presented at NPHET meetings and forms a key input with regard to informing NPHET discussions and advice on the ongoing management of the COVID-19 response.
The NPHET provides evidence-based policy advice to the Minister for Health in accordance with its Terms of Reference, available here: www.gov.ie/en/collection/691330-national-public-health-emergency-team-covid-19-coronavirus/#terms-of-reference.
