Emer Higgins (Dublin Mid West, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

As we head into Christmas week, it is worth reiterating the value of antigen testing for anyone who has met up with or who plans to meet up with friends and family. I have been speaking about this a lot recently because, when used correctly, antigen tests are extremely effective, particularly in situations where people are asymptomatic. With the Omicron variant so transmissible and in our community, it is more important than ever that we use antigen tests before and after meeting with groups or engaging in indoor socialising or activities. For a few months I have been calling for an increased social media campaign to make sure we reach young people with the correct messaging around antigen testing. This is extremely necessary, especially as we approach Christmas. They are pretty inexpensive and widely available and using them could be the difference between keeping your friends and family safe this Christmas and not.

I commend the success and speed of the booster campaign. It is reassuring to see older family members, healthcare workers and the vulnerable having that added protection. I must admit I have particular concerns for those who received the Janssen vaccine. Given the waning immunity we know is associated with this vaccine, it is important its recipients are boosted as soon as possible. More than 236,000 people received the Janssen vaccine and a majority of them are aged between 18 and 34. They are right in the age cohort that is most likely to be socialising and mixing with friends in indoor environments and they are entitled to do that, but it seems we are setting this age group up for increased spread and infection. I would be interested to hear from the Minister of State if there are particular concerns among NPHET and NIAC on an increase in infection in these age groups. Are we seeing any increased level of infection or cause for concern? France has determined that those over 65 years of age who got the Janssen vaccine before October are deemed no longer to be fully vaccinated. There is much confusion among Irish tourists set to fly to France over the holiday period, especially those under the age of 35 who received the Janssen vaccine and who do not know yet whether they will be allowed into bars and restaurants at this stage. I ask the Minister of State to work with her French counterparts to provide clarity to this group.

Our vaccine roll-out has been one of the most successful in the world and our third dose campaign is following suit. However, the messaging is starting to get confusing as to who can get a booster, when they can get it and where they can get it. It is essential we nip any confusion in the bud and that we are unified in our approach and in the message we are giving to the public.

I mention the digital Covid certificate. Like many other Deputies, I have been receiving a lot of correspondence from constituents wondering when their digital Covid certificate will be updated with details of their third dose. We know some countries require proof of a booster dose to travel, and I am sure many others will be following suit. I hope an EU-wide approach will be taken to this but I would welcome clarity today on how this will work and whether it is something the Department is working on. I know the priority is to get boosters in arms but for those who already have their boosters, having that recognised in their Covid certificates is the next step.

I have also been contacted by a constituent who, unfortunately, had an extremely rare reaction to their first dose of the vaccine and had to be hospitalised. This person may never be able to be fully vaccinated and has been advised by medical experts not to take any other brand of vaccine either. This person is completely pro-vaccine and would get fully vaccinated if it was medically possible to do so but it simply is not. They can no longer engage in a lot of indoor activities as a result. I am sure the number of people who are medically unable to take a vaccine is extremely small, but we should consider introducing some sort of exemption for these people. Other countries, such as the UK, have exemptions for people who are medically unable to take the vaccine. While I know they are at no less risk than someone who is unvaccinated by choice, it is important to recognise the medical advice they have received.

I thank our front-line healthcare workers and all those involved in the ongoing fight against Covid-19. We owe them a debt of gratitude and I am not sure how we will ever repay them. We should remember that the best present we can give those working on the front line is to try our best to keep ourselves and those around us safe this Christmas.

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