Oireachtas Joint and Select Committees

Wednesday, 16 December 2020

Joint Oireachtas Committee on Health

Roll-out of Covid-19 Vaccination: Discussion

Photo of Róisín ShortallRóisín Shortall (Dublin North West, Social Democrats)
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I thank all of our guests for their attendance and for the incredible work that they have been doing, particularly in recent times.

I have a number of questions to ask about the practicalities of registration but I will start with one on clinical advice. I would appreciate a response on it. It has regard to the potential impact of the vaccine on fertility. I note that pregnant women are in the 14th category, which is the last, so the question is unlikely to arise for some time. We also need clarification with regard to breastfeeding mothers. At yesterday's launch, Dr. Lorraine Nolan said that there are implications for fertility. Women considering pregnancy or fertility treatment were advised to put that off or, otherwise, to put off having the vaccine. I know it is early days, but it is important that advice be made available for women in these circumstances, who constitute a big part of the population. Is Professor Butler in a position to give clear advice at this point? If not, when does she expect to be in such a position?