Bríd Smith (Dublin South Central, People Before Profit Alliance)
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1991. To ask the Minister for Health if clarification will be provided on the new criteria for vaccine roll-out; the dates on which those in the 65 to 69 years of age cohort are likely to be treated; if they or any other cohort with concerns can be facilitated in the choice of the vaccine available; if a refusal of a particular vaccine will result in an extended delay; if such concerns will be facilitated going forward; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19524/21]

Brendan Griffin (Kerry, Fine Gael)
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2312. To ask the Minister for Health if clarification will be provided on a matter (details supplied) in relation to recent reports in the media regarding the refusal of persons to take a vaccine; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20551/21]

Stephen Donnelly (Wicklow, Fianna Fail)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 1991 and 2312 together.

The COVID-19 Vaccine Allocation Strategy sets out a provisional list of groups for vaccination. The Strategy was developed by the National Immunisation Advisory Committee (NIAC) and my Department, endorsed by the National Public Health Emergency Team (NPHET), and approved by Government on 8 December 2020.

On the 23^rdof February, I announced an update to Ireland’s COVID-19 Vaccine Allocation Strategy. In comprising the initial Vaccine Allocation Strategy, the NIAC listed several conditions associated with increased risk of severe disease and death. In the intervening period, national and international evidence has become available which has enabled a more detailed analysis of underlying conditions that may increase the risk of developing severe disease or death. The NIAC has now been able to more comprehensively identify those medical conditions and to distinguish between those which place a person at very high or high risk of severe disease if they contract the virus. Medical conditions and the magnitude of the risk they pose will continue to be monitored and periodically reviewed.

On the 30^thof March, the Government approved a further update to the COVID-19 Vaccination Allocation Strategy. Based on clinical, scientific and ethical frameworks produced by the National Immunisation Advisory Committee and my Department, following the vaccination of those most at risk, future groups will be vaccinated by age, in cohorts of 10 years (i.e., 64-55; 54-45, etc.).

The move to an age-based model better supports the programme objectives by:

- protecting those at highest risk of severe disease first, which benefits everyone most;

- facilitating planning and execution of the programme across the entire country;

- improving transparency and fairness.

Further details are available here:

People aged 65 to 69 can now register for their vaccine online or by phone. Vaccination of this cohort has commenced.

It is recommended that you accept the COVID-19 vaccine when it is offered to you. It is not intended to give a choice of vaccines. Provision of one or other authorised COVID-19 vaccine(s) during the immunisation programme will be based on clinical expert guidance, including from the National Immunisation Advisory Committee, to ensure the optimal stewardship of scare resources and equitable access to safe and effective vaccine(s) for a given population.

Further information on COVID-19 vaccines can be found here:

As this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the Deputy directly, as soon as possible.