Michael Collins (Cork South West, Independent)
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1364. To ask the Minister for Health if a vaccine (details supplied) will be made available in Ireland; the steps he will take to make the vaccine available here; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [63028/21]

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 makes recommendations to my Department based on the prevalence of the relevant disease in Ireland and international best practice in relation to immunisation.

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 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. There are currently four COVID-19 vaccines authorised for use in Ireland. 

While a person can refuse any offer of vaccination on religious, conscientious or other grounds, provision of one or other authorised COVID-19 vaccine(s) during the immunisation programme will be based on clinical expert guidance, including from the NIAC, to ensure the optimal stewardship of scare resources and equitable access to safe and effective vaccine(s) for a given population.

It is recommended that an individual accept a COVID-19 vaccine when it is offered. It is not intended that a choice of vaccine will be provided.

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

www2.hse.ie/screening-and-vaccinations/covid-19-vaccine/