Seán Haughey (Dublin Bay North, Fianna Fail)
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1557. To ask the Minister for Health if he will examine the possibility of approving a vaccine (details supplied) for the over 70s; if new data is available to warrant same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14641/21]

Stephen Donnelly (Wicklow, Fianna Fail)
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The immunisation programme in Ireland is based on the advice of the National Immunisation Advisory Committee (NIAC). The committee's recommendations are based on the prevalence of the relevant disease in Ireland and international best practice in relation to immunisation. It makes recommendations on vaccination policy to my Department. The NIAC review all data relating to COVID-19 vaccines on a rolling basis.

Following the recommendation for use of vaccines against COVID-19 by the European Medicines Agency (EMA) and authorisation for use by the European Commission, the National Immunisation Advisory Committee (NIAC) develops guidance for their use in Ireland which is contained in the Immunisation Guidelines for Ireland. These guidelines are continuously updated and includes guidance on all new vaccines as they are approved for use in Ireland.

You can read the guidelines at:

The National Immunisation Advisory Committee has advised that any of the COVID-19 vaccines currently authorised can be given to adults of all ages, including those aged 70 and older.

Where practicable and timely, those aged 70 and older should be given an mRNA vaccine. Preferential selection of an mRNA vaccine should not result in a vaccine delay of more than 3 weeks, as any benefit of using a higher efficacy vaccine may be lost.