Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 19 January 2022
1407. Deputy Réada Cronin asked the Minister for Health if persons vaccinated with a one-shot vaccine (details supplied) will be prioritised urgently for boosters; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [63136/21]
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 the 13th December, the NIAC recommended that the interval between the primary vaccine series and booster dose should be reduced to three months. In making its latest recommendations, NIAC has reiterated the need for booster vaccines to be offered to those in previously recommended groups before progression to the younger age cohorts.
The NIAC has 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 16 years and older with the rollout now underway. The NIAC will continue to examine emerging evidence regarding booster vaccines and will make further recommendations if required.
