Richard Boyd Barrett (Dún Laoghaire, People Before Profit Alliance)
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973. To ask the Minister for Health further to Question No. 539 of 17 December 2020, if the vaccination category of 18- to 64-year-olds with underlying conditions will be subdivided; if so, the subdivisions; if those with intellectual disabilities will be included in this category; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1253/21]

Stephen Donnelly (Wicklow, Fianna Fail)
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The aim of the COVID-19 vaccination programme is to ensure, over time, that vaccine will become available to vaccinate all of those for whom the vaccine is indicated. Given that there will be initially limited vaccines available, it will take some time for all to receive those vaccines and that has necessitated an allocation strategy to ensure that those most at risk of death and serious illness receive the vaccine first.

The priority is to first vaccinate and protect directly the most vulnerable amongst us, that is, those most likely to have a poor outcome if they contract the virus. The priority is to directly use vaccines to save lives and reduce serious illness, hence the focus on the over 65 year old cohort in long term residential care facilities, and healthcare workers in frontline services often caring for the most vulnerable. 

All of the groups will be covered as further vaccine supplies become available and the immunisation programme is rolled out nationally.

The evidence will be kept under review and the allocation groups may be updated, where necessary, in light of new evidence.

Further information on the Strategy can be found at: .

The evidence will be kept under review and the allocation groups may be updated, where necessary, in light of new evidence. 

Further information on the Strategy can be found at: .