Cian O'Callaghan (Dublin Bay North, Social Democrats)
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208. To ask the Minister for Health the estimated timeframe of the roll-out of the Covid-19 vaccine by the groups identified in the vaccine implementation plan in tabular form; the steps he is taking to accelerate the delivery of the vaccine; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2026/21]

Brendan Griffin (Kerry, Fine Gael)
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217. To ask the Minister for Health if resources will be provided to increase the roll-out of the Covid vaccination programme from the current five to seven days per week; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2054/21]

Stephen Donnelly (Wicklow, Fianna Fail)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 208 and 217 together.

The Government is committed to the timely implementation of a COVID-19 immunisation programme. Vaccination teams working across the country are administering vaccinations seven days a week.

The National COVID-19 Vaccination Strategy, which was prepared by the High-Level Task Force on COVID-19 Vaccination, was signed off by Cabinet on 15 December 2020.

The vaccines will be rolled out in three phases - the initial roll out, a mass ramp-up and open access. The highest priority groups, those over the age of 65 living in long-term care facilities and frontline healthcare workers in direct patient contact, will receive the vaccine first.

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. This is wholly dependent on supply lines and on candidate vaccines obtaining approval. Therefore, it is not possible at this time to determine a timeframe for the full vaccination programme.

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 Allocation Strategy can be found at:

Stephen Donnelly (Wicklow, Fianna Fail)
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As this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the Deputy directly, as soon as possible.