Stephen Donnelly (Wicklow, Fianna Fail)
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On 1 September, I announced an update to the Covid-19 vaccination programme following updated recommendations from the NIAC. The recommendations involved extending the primary vaccination course with an mRNA dose for immunocompromised individuals aged 12 years and older irrespective of whether the initial doses were an mRNA or adenoviral vector vaccine.

The third dose of an mRNA vaccine should be given a minimum of two months after the second dose of the extended vaccination schedule.

It is currently anticipated that the administration of the third dose extension programme for immunocompromised will commence the week of 27 September and will take approximately 5-6 weeks to complete.

It is important to note that the NIAC has made a distinction between an additional vaccine for those who have mounted a sub-optimal immune response to the primary vaccination course and booster vaccine doses which may be required by some, or all, of the population as a result of waning immunity and vaccine effectiveness over time.

On 8 September, I announced a further update to the Covid-19 vaccination programme following additional advice from the NIAC. The Committee has recommended a booster dose of an mRNA vaccine (irrespective of whether the primary vaccination course was of an mRNA or adenoviral vector) for residents aged 65 years and older living in Long Term Residential Care Facilities and for those aged 80 years and older living in the community.

I have accepted this advice and the HSE has been requested to make the necessary arrangements to operationalise the recommendations. The NIAC continues to examine emerging evidence regarding booster vaccines for those with waning immunity and reduced effectiveness in other groups.

Brendan Griffin (Kerry, Fine Gael)
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606. To ask the Minister for Health if payment to pharmacies for the administration of vaccines (details supplied) will be expedited; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45969/21]

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.