Micheál Martin (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

The booster campaign is important in this phase of the pandemic in reducing severe illness. The evidence is strong now. Evidence is emerging that administration of the booster vaccine to the over-80s is having an impact on reducing severe illness in that age cohort. I am aware of the interaction and the proper level of engagement with the Chief Medical Officer, CMO, NPHET and NIAC. We have to avoid the sense that politicians are declaring on clinical issues. Doctors want the protection as they administer vaccines of a hierarchy of clinical advisors. As I said before in the House, the expectation across Europe is that we will arrive at a situation where there is an annual booster vaccine. I see the programme expanding but NIAC keeps it under constant review following requests from the Minister and the CMO.

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