Pádraig O'Sullivan (Cork North Central, Fianna Fail)
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1667. To ask the Minister for Health the provisions that will be made in respect of the EU Digital COVID Certificate for those persons unable to receive the booster vaccination due to medical reasons (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1283/22]

Stephen Donnelly (Wicklow, Fianna Fail)
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The current high level of COVID-19 infection poses a very substantial threat, particularly to those who are not fully protected through vaccination. Public health advice remains that those who are not fully vaccinated should avoid congregated indoor settings for their own and others safety.

As the Deputy will be aware, new EU rules will come into effect from 1 February 2022, with a new 9-month maximum validity period for EU Digital COVID Certificates based on a completed primary vaccination regime. Updated Digital COVID Certificates are being issued to those who have received an additional vaccine dose. It is important to note that the change from the 1 February is in relation to international travel, no decision has been taken in relation to vaccination certificates for domestic use.

The Department of Health is considering the issues arising for those people that cannot receive a COVID-19 vaccine for medical reasons.

It is important to note that the number of people with an absolute contraindication to COVID-19 vaccination is very small. There are very few people who cannot receive one of the current vaccines due to pre-existing allergies or history of anaphylaxis. Further information, and details of the options available to those who have had a reaction to their first vaccine dose, is available in the Immunisation Guidelines www.hse.ie/eng/health/immunisation/hcpinfo/guidelines/covid19.pdf and in the document Frequently Asked Questions about COVID-19 vaccines for people with pre-existing allergic conditions www.rcpi.ie/news/releases/frequently-asked-questions-about-covid-19-vaccines-for-people-with-pre-existing-allergic-conditions/