Réada Cronin (Kildare North, Sinn Fein)
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1550. To ask the Minister for Health the urgent plans that are in place to ensure Erasmus students leaving for overseas can be vaccinated before they go to ensure their own safety and that of the population in their host country; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34243/21]

Stephen Donnelly (Wicklow, Fianna Fail)
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The HSE is currently offering everyone who registers online an mRNA vaccine - either the Moderna or Pfizer/BioNTech vaccine - when it is available. People waiting for their first vaccination appointment also have a choice to opt-in or out of getting the AstraZeneca vaccine if it is available earlier than an mRNA vaccine. If opting for this vaccine, a person may be vaccinated sooner, depending on the availability of supply.

Alternatively, an individual can get a COVID-19 vaccine at a local pharmacy if not already vaccinated and are aged a) 50 or over or b) 18 to 34.

The latest group who can register online to get a COVID-19 vaccine are people aged 16 and 17.

Erasmus students should also familiarise themselves with the public health requirements of their country of destination prior to travel.

International travel policy is kept under continuous consideration informed by the international epidemiological situation and public health advice.