Róisín Shortall (Dublin North West, Social Democrats)
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1154. To ask the Minister for Health the details of the research available to him regarding the level of vaccine waning in respect of each of the vaccines used here; if this will play a role in deciding the order of roll-out of booster vaccines; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [53392/21]

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 disease in Ireland and international best practices in relation to immunisation.

As the first phase of the Covid-19 vaccination programme is nearing completion, the NIAC has been examining evidence regarding booster vaccination. The NIAC has recommended a booster dose be offered to those aged 65 years and older living in Long Term Residential Care, aged 80 years and older living in the community and to those aged 60-79 years who have completed their primary vaccination with any Covid-19 vaccination.

The latest NIAC recommendations regarding booster doses of Covid-19 vaccine for those aged 60-79 years can be accessed below.

NIAC-Recommendations-regarding-booster-doses-of-COVID-19-vaccine-for-those-aged-60-79-years.pdf (rcpi-live-cdn.s3.amazonaws.com).

The NIAC continues to examine emerging evidence regarding booster vaccines for those with waning immunity and reduced effectiveness in other groups, such as those with co-morbidities (under 60 years of age) and healthcare workers and will make further recommendations if required.